ISCCI Hosts Second Edition of “Bridging Borders” Financial Dialogue in Colombo
Theme: Enabling Sri Lanka’s Market Bond Issuance in Indian Currency – Pathways, Policies, and Preparedness
Date: Wednesday, 15th October 2025
Venue: BMICH, Colombo | Time: 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM | Followed by High Tea
The Indo–Sri Lanka Chamber of Commerce & Industry (ISCCI) held the second edition of its flagship financial dialogue series titled “Bridging Borders II: Enabling Sri Lanka’s Market Bond Issuance in Indian Currency – Pathways, Policies, and Preparedness.” The event, held at BMICH Colombo, brought together distinguished policymakers, economists, and industry leaders from both nations.
The “Bridging Borders” series is part of ISCCI’s ongoing initiative to strengthen cross-border financial cooperation and policy alignment between India and Sri Lanka. The second edition explored frameworks for INR-linked bonds—aimed at enhancing trade liquidity, investor confidence, and regional integration.
Distinguished Guests and Dignitaries
- Chief Guest: Hon. Dr. Anil Jayantha, M.P., Minister of Labour & Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning, Government of Sri Lanka
- Guest of Honor: 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”
- Hon. Eran Wickramaratne – Former State Minister of Finance, Sri Lanka
- Eng. Nissanka N. Wijeratne – Secretary General & 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
The discussion centered on frameworks for INR-denominated bonds, regulatory harmonization, capital market integration, and PPP opportunities in financial infrastructure.
Advancing Indo–Sri Lankan Economic Synergy
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 and investment.”
Mr. Udaya Seneviratne, Senior Advisor, ISCCI: “As Sri Lanka’s financial markets evolve, integrating with India’s bond market framework presents a historic opportunity. This dialogue defines a collaborative and sustainable approach.”
About ISCCI
The Indo–Sri Lanka Chamber of Commerce & Industry (ISCCI) promotes bilateral trade, investment, and cultural cooperation between India and Sri Lanka. Through policy dialogues, summits, and partnerships, ISCCI fosters growth across finance, infrastructure, energy, tourism, and the blue economy.
Media and Contact Information
Dr. Sarath Obeysekera
Senior Vice President, ISCCI – Colombo
📞 +94 777309290
Mr. Udaya Seneviratne
Senior Advisor, ISCCI – Colombo
📞 +94 717247873
Dr. Naresh Bana
Vice Chairman, ISCCI – India
📞 +91 9968075289
Email: info@iscci.org
Website: www.iscci.org
Issued by: Indo–Sri Lanka Chamber of Commerce & Industry (ISCCI)
Date: 15th October 2025
Location: Colombo / New Delhi