Sri Lanka economic summit opened with focus on recovery and resilience after cyclone Ditwah

The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce opened the Sri Lanka Economic & Investment Summit on Tuesday with a renewed sense of purpose, reframing the annual event as a platform for national recovery following the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah.

Addressing more than 800 delegates, including over 100 overseas investors, the Chamber’s Chairperson, Krishan Balendra began by acknowledging the lives lost, the families displaced, and the widespread economic disruption created by the cyclone.

He noted that the Chamber, together with member companies, is already coordinating urgent relief efforts in partnership with government agencies.

This year marks the 25th edition of the summit, originally designed to accelerate economic growth and investment. In light of the national emergency, the Chamber announced that all funds previously allocated for social activities will instead be redirected to relief efforts, reinforcing the private sector’s role in rebuilding communities and restoring stability. “Moving ahead with the summit though in a revised form is essential,” the Chairperson said, emphasising the need for collaboration, policy clarity, and investor confidence at a pivotal moment for the country.

The summit’s theme, “Gateway to Growth: Asia’s Emerging Opportunity,” underscores Sri Lanka’s ambition to position itself more strongly within the region. Delegates will examine macroeconomic prospects, learn from global post-crisis recovery models, and explore high-potential sectors such as tourism, logistics, ports, exports, capital markets, manufacturing, and technology. Speakers and moderators from Malaysia, Greece, the Netherlands, Australia, India, and leading multilateral institutions are taking part over the two-day programme.

The Chairperson highlighted renewed economic momentum, noting improvements in exports, tourism, remittances, fiscal stability, inflation control, and stronger investor sentiment. International partners have echoed this progress, with former IMF First Deputy Managing Director Gita Gopinath calling Sri Lanka’s recovery a “stand-out experience,” while the World Bank described the country’s fiscal adjustment as significant by global standards. With growth now approaching 5%, she said the message to investors is clear: Sri Lanka is stable, open, and ready for business.

As discussions continue, the Chamber hopes the summit will help shape credible reforms, deepen investor interest, and catalyse the long-term economic transformation the country urgently needs.