JAKARTA :The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Jakarta hosted the Sri Lanka Connect-2026: Sri Lanka–Indonesia Business and Investment Forum, under the theme “Bridging Markets, Unlocking Growth,” at the JW Marriott Jakarta on 16 October 2026. Organised under the Economic Diplomacy Programme of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism of Sri Lanka, the forum brought together approximately 120 participants, including government officials, business leaders and media representatives from both countries.
Welcoming the participants, the Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Indonesia and ASEAN, Sashikala Premawardhane, highlighted the importance of strengthening bilateral trade and investment relations, identifying opportunities in maritime infrastructure, logistics, information and communication technology (ICT), real estate, agriculture and fisheries, pharmaceutical and textile manufacturing, critical minerals and energy exploration. She emphasised the potential for both countries to translate their shared history into economic prosperity amid an evolving global economic landscape.
The Chairperson of the Indonesian Entrepreneurs Association (APINDO), Shinta Widjaja Kamdani, also attended the forum and encouraged the Indonesian business community to deepen engagement with Sri Lanka and explore mutually beneficial opportunities for economic cooperation.
During the forum, the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce and the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KADIN) was ceremonially exchanged, marking a significant step towards strengthening institutional cooperation and business linkages between the two countries.
The forum featured two panel discussions exploring investment opportunities in both countries, with a focus on inbound and outbound investments and the potential to expand bilateral business partnerships.
The first panel discussion, titled “Sri Lanka – The Best Business Destination in Asia to Grow Your Business,” examined Sri Lanka’s potential as an attractive investment destination for Indonesian investors. The discussion highlighted investment opportunities, the benefits of investing in Sri Lanka and its potential as a strategic gateway for regional business expansion. Moderated by the Secretary General of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, Shiran Fernando, the panel featured the Executive Director of the Board of Investment of Sri Lanka, Ganga Palakatiya; the Director of Kalbe International Pte. Ltd., Rudy Santosa Irawan; the Group Managing Director of the CBL Group, Sheamalee Wickramasingha; and the Head of Branding and Communications of the Colombo Port City Economic Commission of Sri Lanka, Danya Gunawardana.
The Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment of Sri Lanka, Arun Hemachandra, delivered the keynote address virtually, inviting Indonesian investors to explore opportunities in Sri Lanka and emphasising the importance of closer economic cooperation between the two countries. He also invited Indonesian companies to participate in Sri Lanka Expo 2027, Sri Lanka’s premier trade exhibition, scheduled to be held at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH) in Colombo from 14 to 17 January 2027.
The second panel discussion, titled “Sri Lanka as an Investor in Indonesia,” commenced with a virtual keynote address by the Deputy Minister for Investment Promotion of Indonesia’s Ministry of Investment and Downstreaming Industry, Nurul Ichwan. The discussion explored theexperiences, opportunities and prospects for Sri Lankan investments in Indonesia. The panellists included the Managing Director of Hayleys Aventura, Wasaba Jayasekara; the Head of the Permanent Committee for Asia Pacific of KADIN, Yohanes Lukiman; and the Chief Executive Officer of MAS Silueta (Pvt) Ltd, Ruwan Keragala. The session was moderated by the CIMA Global Learning Partner, Akalangka De Soyza.
Bringing together business leaders, government representatives, regulators and investment facilitators from Sri Lanka and Indonesia, the forum provided a platform to strengthen bilateral investment relations, foster business partnerships and identify new opportunities for economic cooperation. The event reaffirmed both countries’ commitment to strengthening commercial ties and promoting sustainable growth and mutual prosperity.
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