Theme: Enabling Sri Lanka’s Market Bond Issuance in Indian Currency – Pathways, Policies, and Preparedness
COLOMBO ; iThe Indo–Sri Lanka Chamber of Commerce & Industry (ISCCI) held its second edition of its flagship financial dialogue series titled “Bridging Borders II: Enabling Sri Lanka’s Market Bond Issuance in Indian Currency – Pathways, Policies, and Preparedness.”
The event was held on 15th October 2025 at the BMICH, Colombo, and joined by distinguished policymakers, financial experts, economists, and industry leaders from both nations.
The “Bridging Borders” series is part of ISCCI’s continued effort to foster financial cooperation and policy alignment between India and Sri Lanka, particularly in strengthening cross-border financing mechanisms and enabling frameworks for currency-linked investments. The second edition focused on exploring the feasibility and roadmap for Sri Lanka to issue market bonds in Indian Rupees (INR) — a development that could significantly enhance regional financial integration, trade liquidity, and investor confidence
The Chamber was deeply honored to host an eminent lineup of dignitaries:
Chief Guest: Hon. Dr. Anil Jayantha, M.P., Minister of Labour & Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning, Government of Sri Lanka
Guest of Honor: Dr. Satyanjal Pandey, Deputy High Commissioner, High Commission of India, Colombo
Keynote Address: Snr. Prof. D.B.P.H. Dissabandara, Senior Professor of Finance, University of Sri Jayewardenepura
Panel Discussion: Building the Bridge to Financial Integration
A high-level panel discussion bought together some of the region’s most respected financial and policy experts, including:
Hon. Eran Wickramaratne – Former State Minister of Finance, Sri Lanka
Eng. Nissanka N. Wijeratne – Secretary General & CEO, Chamber of Construction Industry of Sri Lanka
Mr. Sachith Perera – CEO, First Capital Ltd., Sri Lanka
Mr. Prins Perera – Senior Vice President, DFCC Bank
Dr. Naresh Bana – Global PPP Specialist & Vice Chairman, ISCCI
Moderator: Mr. Talal Rafi, Economist & Global Thought Leader
The discussion focused on key enablers for cross-border financial cooperation, including:
Frameworks for INR-denominated bond issuance in Sri Lanka
Strengthening regional capital market connectivity
Harmonizing fiscal and monetary regulations
Opportunities for public-private partnerships (PPP) in financial infrastructure
Strategies to enhance investor participation from India and beyond
Advancing Indo–Sri Lankan Economic Synergy
Speaking about the initiative, Dr Sarath Obeysekera, Snr. Vice President ISCCI, shared:
“This dialogue reflects our shared commitment to deepen Indo–Sri Lankan financial linkages. Enabling market bond issuance in Indian currency could open new avenues for bilateral trade, investment, and economic stability. Through ‘Bridging Borders II,’ we aim to create a roadmap for long-term financial engagements between our two nations.”
Mr. Udaya Seneviratne, Snr. Advisor to ISCCI, added:
“As Sri Lanka’s financial markets evolve, integrating with India’s bond market framework presents a historic opportunity. This dialogue brings together key voices from both countries to define a collaborative and sustainable approach.”
About ISCCI
The Indo–Sri Lanka Chamber of Commerce & Industry (ISCCI) serves as a vital platform promoting bilateral trade, investment, and cultural exchange between India and Sri Lanka. Through policy dialogues, sectoral summits, and business partnerships, ISCCI works to enhance cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, finance, energy, tourism, agriculture, and the blue economy.
Chamber comittee members present on occassion were. Dr. Sarath Obeysekera (Snr Vice President – Sri Lanka, ISCCI), Mr. Udaya Seneviratne.(Snr Advisor , ISCCI), Lt Gen. RK Loomba (Chairman ISCCI), Dr. Naresh Bana (Vice Chairman, ISCCI), Mr.BN Bankapur (Vice Chairman ISCCI) and Ms. Dipika Upadhyaya (Secy Gen ISCCI).
