Sri Lanka Strengthens Investment Outreach to Canada Through Diaspora Investment Forum

Virtual forum connects Canadian investors and Sri Lankan diaspora with government officials to showcase emerging investment opportunities and address investor concerns.

Colombo | June 2026

Sri Lanka has reaffirmed its commitment to attracting foreign investment by engaging directly with members of the Sri Lankan diaspora and prospective Canadian investors through a virtual investment forum held on 18 June 2026.

The online forum, titled “Investment Opportunities in Sri Lanka,” was jointly organized by the Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Toronto and the Board of Investment (BOI) of Sri Lanka. The event brought together around 40 participants, including members of the Sri Lankan diaspora and potential investors based in Canada, providing them with updated information on the country’s evolving investment landscape.

Opening the event, Consul General Ms. Medhavi Peiris said the forum was organized in response to increasing inquiries from Sri Lankan expatriates and other interested investors seeking reliable information on investment opportunities in Sri Lanka. She noted that the initiative aimed to present an accurate picture of the country’s investment climate, clarify common misconceptions, and facilitate direct engagement with relevant government institutions.

Ms. Manori Mallikaratchy, Director General of Economic Affairs (Bilateral Division) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, emphasized the importance of strengthening investment partnerships with the Sri Lankan diaspora. She encouraged participants to explore emerging business opportunities in Sri Lanka while also promoting Sri Lanka Expo 2027 as a key platform for international investors and businesses interested in the country’s economic development.

Addressing the gathering, Ms. Renuka Weerakone, Director General of the Board of Investment, reaffirmed the BOI’s commitment to supporting investors and enhancing investment facilitation services. She stressed the importance of maintaining continuous engagement with diaspora investors to strengthen Sri Lanka’s long-term economic growth.

Participants also received detailed presentations from Ms. Priyanka Samaraweera, Executive Director of the BOI, and Ms. Ganga Palaketiya, Director – Investment Promotion. Their presentations highlighted investment opportunities across key sectors of the economy, structured investment projects, and the range of incentives currently available to both local and foreign investors.

During the interactive discussion session, participants expressed strong interest in investing in Sri Lanka while raising practical concerns regarding approval processes and regulatory clearances. BOI officials acknowledged these concerns and outlined ongoing reforms aimed at simplifying administrative procedures, improving transparency, and enhancing investor support services.

The forum concluded with a positive outlook, reflecting growing interest among the Sri Lankan diaspora in contributing to Sri Lanka’s economic development. Organizers noted that continued dialogue and collaboration between investors and government institutions will play an important role in strengthening economic partnerships between Sri Lanka and Canada while creating new opportunities for sustainable investment.

Source: Information released by the Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Toronto and the Board of Investment of Sri Lanka.