By Sitaram Mewati
A business delegation comprising 31 Indian exporters, led by the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO), concluded a three-day visit to Sri Lanka with a renewed commitment to strengthening bilateral trade and expanding business partnerships. The delegation, which visited the island nation from July 8 to 10, represented key sectors including pharmaceuticals, engineering goods, apparel and textiles, food and agricultural products, and infrastructure.
During the visit, the delegation met India’s High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Santosh Jha, who outlined Sri Lanka’s improving economic landscape and highlighted the growing opportunities for trade, investment and commercial cooperation. He encouraged Indian companies to leverage the complementary strengths of both economies to deepen business engagement. Representatives from the food and agriculture sectors also held discussions with officials of Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development on sector-specific issues and future collaboration.
The High Commission of India organised India–Sri Lanka Trade Connect: Interaction with FIEO Delegation at Taj Samudra, Colombo, bringing together members of the Indian delegation with leading Sri Lankan companies and business organisations. The event facilitated productive business-to-business meetings with representatives of the Indian CEO Forum, the National Chamber of Exporters of Sri Lanka, the Indo-Lanka Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the Ceylon Chamber of Young Lankan Entrepreneurs.
Addressing the gathering, High Commissioner Jha said India continues to be Sri Lanka’s largest trading partner, biggest source of foreign investment and leading source of tourist arrivals. He noted that bilateral merchandise trade reached approximately USD 7.2 billion during 2025-26, while Sri Lankan exports to India grew by nearly 160 per cent over the past five years. He also underlined India’s role as a reliable supplier of refined petroleum, medicines and essential food commodities.
A key highlight of the visit was the formal exchange of a Memorandum of Understanding between FIEO and the National Chamber of Exporters of Sri Lanka, aimed at promoting institutional cooperation, trade, investment and business networking. The visit reaffirmed the shared commitment of both countries to deepen economic ties and create new opportunities for businesses on both sides.
Editor in Chief : Mewati SItaram
