INDO–SRI LANKA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY (ISCCI)
Official Newsletter | Secretariat Communication I
July – August 2026 Edition
From ISCCI Secretariat
Strengthening Bilateral Pathways | Advancing Dialogue, Trade and Diplomacy
The Indo–Sri Lanka Chamber of Commerce & Industry (ISCCI) is pleased to present its official newsletter, reflecting a dynamic phase of engagement, collaboration, and forward-looking initiatives undertaken by the Chamber. Anchored in its commitment to fostering deeper economic, cultural, and strategic ties between India and Sri Lanka, ISCCI continues to serve as a pivotal platform for dialogue, policy advocacy, and business facilitation.
Over the recent months, ISCCI has successfully curated and hosted a series of high-impact engagements, bringing together policymakers, industry leaders, diplomats, and academic stakeholders. Among these, the Indo–Sri Lanka Maritime Corridor Webinar titled “Supply Chain Connectivity & Ports: Reimagining the Bilateral Maritime Future” stood out as a significant knowledge exchange platform. The session witnessed eminent speakers including Admiral Jayantha Perera, Dr. Neeta Awasthi, Dr. A.K. Upadhyaya, and other distinguished experts, who deliberated on maritime logistics, blue economy opportunities, green port initiatives, and trade facilitation frameworks. The webinar reaffirmed the importance of maritime cooperation as a cornerstone of bilateral trade growth.
In parallel, ISCCI’s Academic & Internship Division successfully conducted the ISCCI Summer Internship Program 2026, hosted at the Chamber’s Secretariat in Noida. The program, themed “Emerging Leaders in Indo–Sri Lanka Trade, Diplomacy & Digital Influence,” provided a structured and immersive experience to students from leading institutions such as Delhi University and Manipal University. Through expert-led sessions, practical assignments, and exposure to real-time trade and diplomatic engagements, the initiative contributed meaningfully to capacity building and youth engagement in international commerce and policy discourse.
Further strengthening institutional collaboration, ISCCI formalized a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the World Trade Center (WTC) Bhubaneswar, Odisha. This partnership marks a significant milestone in expanding the Chamber’s outreach to Eastern India while creating new avenues for sectoral cooperation, joint webinars, trade delegations, and knowledge-sharing initiatives. The collaboration aims to catalyze bilateral trade opportunities, particularly for MSMEs, startups, and emerging sectors across both nations.
A unique intellectual contribution of the Chamber continues through the weekly thought leadership articles authored by the Chairman, Lt. Col. Dr. Naresh Bana, published in Sri Lanka’s esteemed Sunday Observer. These articles provide nuanced insights into Indo–Sri Lanka relations, economic diplomacy, regional cooperation, and global trade perspectives. The consistent publication of these pieces reinforces ISCCI’s role as a thought leader in shaping bilateral discourse.
Read the Sunday Observer E-Paper (featuring Dr. Naresh Bana’s articles) Write-up on Visit of SL Minister of Industry in Sunday Observer DATED - 26 July* | Indo-Sri Lanka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ISCCI) on 17 July 2026 facilitated the Visit of Hon. Sunil Handunneththi, Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development of Sri Lanka to the HSIIDC Mega Food Park, Barhi, Sonipat. You can read the details of the visit at https://www.sundayobserver.lk/2026/07/26/business/81415/minister-handunneththi-studies-indias-advanced-food-park-system/
Key Highlights of ISCCI Activities
Indo–Sri Lanka: Latest Developments & Outlook
The bilateral relationship between India and Sri Lanka continues to evolve positively, marked by sustained political engagement, economic cooperation, and strategic alignment:
In conclusion, ISCCI remains steadfast in its mission to act as a catalyst for Indo–Sri Lanka engagement, fostering meaningful partnerships, enabling business growth, and contributing to policy dialogue. The Chamber extends its sincere gratitude to all stakeholders, partners, and participants who continue to support and engage with its initiatives.
For further information and participation in upcoming initiatives, we invite you to stay connected with ISCCI.
Warm regards,
ISCCI Secretariat
Indo–Sri Lanka Chamber of Commerce & Industry
Venue: BMICH, Colombo
Date: Wednesday, 15th October 2025
The Indo–Sri Lanka Chamber of Commerce & Industry (ISCCI) successfully hosted the second edition of its flagship financial dialogue, “Bridging Borders”, under the theme “Enabling Sri Lanka’s Market Bond Issuance in Indian Currency – Pathways, Policies, and Preparedness” at the BMICH, Colombo. The event brought together leading financial experts, policymakers, and institutional heads from both countries to discuss the prospects of INR-denominated bonds (“Masala Bonds”) as a catalyst for deeper Indo–Sri Lankan financial integration.
The session featured a distinguished panel including Dr. Satyajai Jha Pandey, Deputy High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka; Prins Perera, Senior Vice President and Head of Treasury, Investment and Wholesale Banking, DFCC Bank; Eran Wickramaratne, Former State Minister of Finance; Nissanka W. Wijeyeratne, Secretary General and CEO, Chamber of Construction Industry; and Sachith Perera, CEO, First Capital Ltd. The discussion was moderated by Talal Rafi, Economist and Global Thought Leader.
In his keynote remarks, Dr. Pandey highlighted India’s readiness to support Sri Lanka in financing infrastructure and sustainable projects through INR-denominated instruments. He described the initiative as “a symbol of growing confidence between the two economies” and emphasized that such financial tools could pave the way for long-term collaboration, trade stability, and regional trust.
Speakers from Sri Lanka’s banking sector, including DFCC Bank, shared that local institutions have collectively extended nearly USD 1 billion in loans to Indian entities. DFCC Bank also announced its plan to issue Sri Lanka’s first INR-denominated Masala Bond on the Luxembourg Stock Exchange within the coming weeks — marking a significant milestone in bilateral financial cooperation.
Former Minister Eran Wickramaratne underscored the importance of aligning future sovereign INR bond issuances with post-IMF programme stabilization, ensuring sustainable debt management and investor confidence.
The dialogue reaffirmed the shared vision of India and Sri Lanka to advance financial innovation, enhance currency cooperation, and transform bilateral trade into a resilient network of economic trust.
ISCCI remains committed to facilitating such strategic forums that strengthen Indo–Sri Lankan cooperation, encourage policy dialogue, and create new pathways for sustainable growth and regional financial integration.
A Chronicle of Indo-Sri Lankan Synergy in Trade, Culture, Diplomacy & Innovation
Dear Members, Partners, and Friends,
The pulse of a region is not only measured by its markets or movements — but by its shared spirit. Over the months of June and July 2025, the Indo-Sri Lankan relationship has revealed once again that our proximity is not just geographical — it is historical, emotional, strategic, and increasingly, futuristic.
From anchoring new conversations on ports and trade, to lighting spiritual lamps in Anuradhapura, to forging financial alliances and reimagining sustainable futures — ISCCI has proudly stood at the crossroads of vision and action.
This newsletter captures the essence of this exciting phase, not just to inform, but to inspire deeper engagement in the journey ahead.
ISCCI’s strategic delegation visited Trincomalee and Hambantota to initiate dialogues around Public-Private Partnership (PPP) models, infrastructure financing, and trade facilitation.
“Trincomalee is not just a port — it is a portal into the future of Indo-South Asian trade.”
Discussion Highlights:
The forum emphasized:
“Finance is not just about funding — it’s about fueling futures.”
An Indo-SL Joint Marine Strategy 2030 draft paper is under review.
“The ocean that divides us is also the ocean that unites us.”
Panels explored:
A joint resolution “Media Beyond Borders” was signed.
“Diplomacy in today’s world is not about protocol — it is about people, policy, and partnerships.”
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Email: iscciinfo@gmail.com
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Tags: #ISCCI2025 #IndoSriLankaRising
“Indo-Sri Lanka is not just a relationship — it is a rhythm. A rhythm of tides, of temples, of trade routes and trust. And through ISCCI, we ride that rhythm with purpose.”
Warm regards,
ISCCI Secretariat
Indo-Sri Lanka Chamber of Commerce & Industry
