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Bridging Borders II
Financial Dialogue on INR Bonds & Cross-Border Finance

Venue: Ruby Hall, BMICH, Colombo, Sri Lanka
Date: Wednesday, 15th October 2025

About ISCCI

The Indo–Sri Lanka Chamber of Commerce & Industry (ISCCI) is a bilateral platform dedicated to advancing trade, investment, and cultural cooperation between India and Sri Lanka. Through strategic dialogues, business forums, and cross-sectoral initiatives, ISCCI works to strengthen collaboration in key areas including finance, infrastructure, energy, tourism, agriculture, the blue economy, and technology.

Organising Body

ISCCI was represented by Lt. Gen. Rakesh Loomba (Retd.), Mr. Udaya Seneviratne, Dr. Sarath Obeysekera, Dr. Naresh Bana, Mr. B.N. Bankapur, and Ms. Dipika Upadhyaya. Their vision and leadership continue to shape ISCCI’s strategic dialogues and initiatives.

Event Overview

The Indo–Sri Lanka Chamber of Commerce & Industry (ISCCI) successfully hosted the second edition of its flagship financial dialogue, “Bridging Borders II,” focusing on enabling Sri Lanka’s market bond issuance in Indian currency (INR). The dialogue brought together distinguished policymakers, economists, and financial experts to discuss policy frameworks and collaborative strategies to strengthen bilateral financial integration.

Distinguished Guests & Dignitaries

  • Chief Guest: Hon. Dr. Anil Jayantha – Minister of Labour & Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning, Government of Sri Lanka
  • Guest of Honour: Dr. Satyanjal Pandey – Deputy High Commissioner, High Commission of India, Colombo
  • Keynote Speaker: Snr. Prof. D.B.P.H. Dissabandara – Senior Professor of Finance, University of Sri Jayewardenepura

Panel Discussion – “Building the Bridge to Financial Integration”

The session featured:

  • Hon. Eran Wickramaratne – Former State Minister of Finance, Sri Lanka
  • Eng. Nissanka N. Wijeratne – CEO, Chamber of Construction Industry of Sri Lanka
  • Mr. Sachith Perera – CEO, First Capital Ltd., Sri Lanka
  • Mr. Prins Perera – Senior Vice President, DFCC Bank
  • Dr. Naresh Bana – Global PPP Specialist & Vice Chairman, ISCCI
  • Moderator: Mr. Talal Rafi – Economist & Global Thought Leader

Key Insights & Reflections

The discussions emphasized the potential of INR-denominated bond issuance to strengthen Sri Lanka’s economic stability and deepen regional market linkages. Panelists highlighted the importance of policy coordination, transparency, and institutional collaboration to support this initiative.

Highlights

  • DFCC Bank announced plans to issue Sri Lanka’s first INR-denominated “Masala Bond” with GIFT City support.
  • India exploring INR bond framework for Sri Lanka’s infrastructure projects.
  • Policy recommendation: Align INR issuance with post-IMF fiscal stabilization.
  • Strengthened ISCCI’s commitment to fostering Indo–Sri Lankan financial cooperation.

Quotes from Leadership

Dr. Sarath Obeysekera, Senior Vice President, ISCCI: “This dialogue reflects our shared commitment to deepen Indo–Sri Lankan financial linkages. Enabling market bond issuance in Indian currency could open new avenues for bilateral trade, investment, and economic stability.”

Mr. Udaya Seneviratne, Senior Advisor, ISCCI: “As Sri Lanka’s financial markets evolve, integrating with India’s bond market presents a historic opportunity to define a collaborative and sustainable approach.”

Conclusion

The “Bridging Borders II” dialogue reaffirmed ISCCI’s pivotal role in facilitating policy engagement and economic diplomacy between India and Sri Lanka. The insights shared will guide future initiatives aimed at enhancing financial integration and regional growth.

Prepared by: ISCCI Secretariat
Date of Report: 25th October 2025