“Sri Lanka and India share a relationship that goes well beyond trade, anchored in centuries of cultural and civilizational ties. Our partnership with AIAI and WTC Mumbai has consistently helped Sri Lankan business delegations connect with Indian industry and explore new opportunities in trade, investment and tourism. Sri Lanka’s globally recognised Ceylon sapphires and gemstone sector offer significant scope for value-chain partnerships with India’s vibrant gems and jewellery industry.
We also look forward to strong participation by Indian businesses, especially MSMEs, at Sri Lanka Expo 2027 in Colombo and to further strengthening business ties between our two nations,” said Ms. Shirani Ariyarathne, Consul/Minister (Commercial), Consulate General of Sri Lanka, at the Sri Lanka–India Trade and Investment Promotional Event organized by All India Association of Industries (AIAI) and MVIRDC World Trade Center Mumbai.
Mr. Mangala Wijesinghe, Chairman and CEO, Sri Lanka Export Development Board, said, “Sri Lanka recorded economic growth of over 6% last year, while its exports grew by around 6% to reach USD17.3 billion.
Our skilled workforce, strategic location and growing export ecosystem position Sri Lanka as an attractive trade and investment hub. Beyond gems and jewellery, opportunities exist in automotive components, minerals, beverages, logistics, rubber-based products, tourism, education, wellness and healthcare. The Indo–Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement provides a strong foundation for businesses from both countries to deepen this partnership.”
Prof.
S.P. Chaminda, Chairman and CEO, National Gem and Jewellery Authority of Sri Lanka, said, “Our vision is to position Sri Lanka as the sapphire capital of the world and as a trusted global source of responsibly produced gemstones. Sri Lanka possesses a spectrum of coloured gemstones, and our focus is on strengthening ethical mining, licensing, testing, certification, hallmarking and regulatory compliance. We are encouraging greater domestic value addition by promoting the export of cut and polished gemstones instead of raw stones.
Infrastructure initiatives such as the Gem Tower at Demuwawatha, envisioned as an international gem and jewellery trading centre, will further strengthen Sri Lanka’s position in the global market.”
Ms. Priya Pansare, Senior Director – Trade, Investment and International Relations, World Trade Center Mumbai, highlighted the growing trade and economic relations between India and Sri Lanka and encouraged greater exchange of business delegations between the two countries.
She reaffirmed WTC Mumbai’s commitment to facilitating meaningful industry connections and strengthening bilateral cooperation in trade and investment.
The programme brought together senior representatives of Sri Lankan trade and investment organisations, gem exporters and members of Indian industry to explore opportunities across gems and jewellery, manufacturing, tourism, education, healthcare, logistics and other services. The event also featured presentations on investment opportunities in Sri Lanka, followed by B2B meetings.
