Sri Lanka-Nepal Business Council to drive bilateral trade and investment
Daily FT: The Sri Lanka-Nepal Business Council (SLNBC) was launched at Cinnamon Lakeside Hotel recently, marking a significant milestone in strengthening economic cooperation between Sri Lanka and Nepal.
The SLNBC envisions becoming a catalyst for sustainable trade and investment across the Nepal-Sri Lanka corridor. The council aims to unlock existing and future business opportunities through strong public-private partnerships (PPPs), fostering shared prosperity between the two nations. It will function as a dynamic platform to promote trade, tourism, investment, and knowledge exchange.
The launch was attended by Nepali Ambassador to Sri Lanka and the Maldives Dr. Purna Bahadur, alongside foreign diplomats, dignitaries, representatives of the Embassy of Nepal, leading Sri Lankan and Nepalese business leaders, entrepreneurs, and key stakeholders engaged in bilateral trade and investment.
Ambassador Dr. Bahadur described the formation of the Council as a reflection of renewed commitment to unlocking the untapped potential between the two economies and said that strengthening institutional and private sector collaboration would create meaningful opportunities for businesses in both countries.
He further highlighted the commitment of both Governments to creating an enabling environment for trade and investment by strengthening institutional frameworks, reducing barriers, and fostering pro-business policies that support cross-border collaboration.
Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Deputy Minister Chathuranga Abeysinghe extended his warm wishes to the Council on its landmark inauguration.
He emphasised the importance of strengthening trust and investor confidence between Sri Lanka and Nepal, while fostering a conducive business environment to enable cross-border partnerships and accelerate sector-based collaboration towards shared prosperity for both nations.
The SLNBC also officially launched its website as a dedicated digital platform to enhance connectivity among members, stakeholders, and potential partners, serving as a central hub for trade information, Council initiatives, and business matchmaking opportunities.
SLNBC President Indhra Kaushal Rajapaksa shared key insights on expanding tourism collaboration with Nepal and beyond and said that the success of bilateral partnerships depends on building strong commercial trust between nations.
SLNBC Vice President Ajith D. Perera identified immediate priorities including strengthening business-to-business (B2B) engagement, improving air connectivity, promoting sector-specific collaborations—particularly in tourism, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and handicrafts—and facilitating trade delegations.
In the long term, the Council aims to support policy advocacy, recognise contributions within the trading community, and develop regional tourism frameworks, he further noted.
OSL take:
Sri Lanka’s evolving economic landscape continues to open new pathways for international trade, investment, and collaboration, particularly as the country strengthens regional partnerships such as the recently launched SLNBC. The council reflects a growing commitment to deepen economic ties and unlock cross-border opportunities between Sri Lanka and Nepal. As Sri Lanka positions itself for more sustained economic growth, several sectors are emerging as attractive entry points for foreign businesses/investors. Trade facilitation and logistics remain central, supported by the country’s strategic location along major shipping routes and ongoing port and infrastructure development. This creates business/investment opportunities in warehousing, supply chain integration, and regional distribution networks serving South Asia. Tourism is another high-potential area, with Sri Lanka’s established appeal complemented by efforts to diversify offerings into wellness, eco-tourism, and cultural experiences. Partnerships with Nepal also open avenues for joint tourism packages, leveraging both Himalayan and island destinations to attract long-haul travelers. Also, manufacturing and export-oriented industries, particularly apparel, light engineering, and agro-processing, continue to offer competitive advantages. The emphasis on public-private partnerships (PPPs) further creates space for foreign participation in infrastructure, renewable energy, and urban development projects. Knowledge exchange and services sectors are also gaining traction, with opportunities in education, IT services, fintech, and professional training. As both nations seek to enhance skills and innovation ecosystems, collaboration in these areas can deliver long-term value. It is therefore evident that Sri Lanka’s growing economy, combined with structured bilateral platforms like the SLNBC, creates a more connected and opportunity-rich environment for foreign businesses/investors looking to engage with South Asia’s emerging growth corridors.
| Article Code : | VBS/AT/20260508Z_2 |