Northern Investment Summit 2026: Ladder to prosperity for Sri Lanka’s North
Daily FT: As Sri Lanka prepares for the Northern Investment Summit 2026 (NIS26), questions have emerged over whether this initiative will finally break the cycle of underdevelopment that has long shadowed the Northern Province a region endowed with natural wealth yet lagging behind in national GDP contribution.
Organised by The Management Club (TMC), the summit aims to catalyse growth through investment, innovation and collaboration. Scheduled for 21–22 January 2026 at the Thiruvalluvar Cultural Centre in Jaffna, the event will bring together national and international investors, policymakers and development partners under the theme “Empowering Growth, Driving Innovations.”
TMC President Roger Talayarathna said, “TMC believes in creating platforms that inspire collaboration and action. NIS26 will be a bridge connecting investors, innovators and communities in a shared mission of national growth.”
He also emphasised that this is not just another short-lived initiative but a strategic platform to reposition the Northern Province as a competitive investment and trade hub. Backed by the Government of Sri Lanka, private sector partners and the Sri Lankan diaspora, NIS26 seeks to create a sustainable investment ecosystem that transforms the region’s abundant resources—from agriculture and fisheries to tourism and renewable energy — into engines of growth.
At the launch at the Cinnamon Grand Colombo, TMC also unveiled the official logo of NIS26, a symbol inspired by spiritual unity and renewal. Rendered in the vibrant hues of the Sri Lankan flag, the design embodies optimism, resilience and the promise of a new beginning for the Northern Province.
TMC Project Chair Indhra K. Rajapaksa said, “This summit is the culmination of years of dialogue and vision. It’s about creating real, measurable impact-turning talk into tangible transformation.”
When asked whether this will simply be another “failed plan,” Rajapaksa said, “The Northern Province has the resources, resilience and talent. What it needs is opportunity—and this summit will deliver just that.”
The initiative has received the backing of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Minister Sunil Handunnetti who underscored the Government’s commitment to supporting equitable growth and industrial revival across all provinces. Representatives from all five districts of the Northern Province—Jaffna, Kilinochchi, Mullaitivu, Vavuniya and Mannar — have also pledged their cooperation. The respective Government Agents from each district were present at the event, affirming their readiness to facilitate investment and development projects that align with local priorities.
India’s significant role in mentoring and supporting the project was also highlighted, with Indian institutions and investors expected to play a major part in infrastructure, trade and human capital development.
Board of Investment (BOI) Director General Renuka Weerakone affirmed, “Investors are looking for stability, opportunity and innovation. The North offers all three—and the BOI is committed to ensuring that every investment leads to inclusive growth.”
Northern Province Governor Nagalingam Vedanayagam said, “The Northern Province stands at the threshold of transformation. NIS26 is not merely a conference — it is a movement to restore opportunity, dignity and prosperity to our people.”
Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority Tourism Planning Development and Investor Relations Director Dr. Prasad Jayasuriya said, “Tourism has the power to connect communities, cultures and commerce. Through the Northern Investment Summit, we aim to showcase the North as Sri Lanka’s next frontier for sustainable and experiential tourism.”
Export Development Board Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Mangala Wijesinghe added, “Our focus is to help northern entrepreneurs reach global markets. With the right support and innovation, the North can emerge as an export powerhouse for Sri Lanka.”
National Enterprise Development Authority (NEDA) Chairman Laxhman Abeysekara said, “Entrepreneurship is the heartbeat of economic renewal. Our role is to empower small and medium enterprises in the North to become job creators and change-makers.”
Jaffna Government Agent M. Pirratheepan emphasised, “Our people have the talent and tenacity. What they need now is the right environment and investment to unlock full potential. NIS26 will help us build that foundation.”
University of Vavuniya Vice Chancellor Prof. A. Atputharaja said, “Education and innovation are the twin engines of progress. Our universities hope to stand ready to provide the research, skills and human capital needed to drive northern development.”
OSL take:
With Sri Lanka on a steady growth path, the country is yet to be fully tapped of its potential in business, trade, investment and other key economic sectors. The Northern Province, which is in close proximity to India, is on the fast path to development with a port as well as a regional airport operating vessels and flights to India. Indian businesses/investors already operate in Sri Lanka with operations also spanning to the northern province. However, there are still many sectors in the north that are open for foreign businesses/investors, especially from India. Given these factors, other foreign businesses/investors interested in doing business with India could look at setting up bases in Sri Lanka’s northern province to engage with India using the preferential treatment enjoyed by Sri Lanka with India. Also, with Jaffna, in the northern province, being recognized by leading travel publications as a tourist destination, international leisure and hospitality brands could explore the expanding business/investment opportunities in the tourism industry in Sri Lanka’s north. It is therefore evident that Sri Lanka’s northern province is an emerging business destination in the country with a host of business/investment opportunities for foreign businesses/investors.
| Article Code : | VBS/AT/20251112/Z_2 |