By: Staff Writer
June 16, Colombo (LNW): Nearly 200 senior corporate executives, investors, diplomats, and business leaders gathered behind closed doors at Dubai’s prestigious Ritz-Carlton DIFC to examine a question increasingly attracting attention across the Gulf: Can Sri Lanka become South Asia’s next major investment platform?
The exclusive forum, titled “Globalisation and the Sri Lankan Opportunity – From Recovery to Relevance”, was jointly organized by the Sri Lankan Embassy in the UAE, the Consulate General in Dubai and the Northern Emirates, the Colombo Port City Economic Commission, and CHEC Port City Colombo Pvt. Ltd.
The event brought together influential representatives from some of the UAE’s leading companies, including Sobha Realty, Binghatti, Oracle, Emirates Airlines, First Abu Dhabi Bank, JLL, Cushman & Wakefield, CBRE, IFS, Danube, and Samana Developers. Their presence underscored growing Gulf interest in Sri Lanka’s evolving economic landscape.
Opening the forum, Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to the UAE, Professor Arusha Cooray, highlighted the long-standing economic and people-to-people ties between the two nations. She emphasized that Sri Lanka is now seeking to deepen this partnership by positioning itself as a strategic hub for businesses aiming to expand across South Asia.
The discussion gained further momentum through a keynote address by Ghanim Al Falasi, CEO of Falak Tayyeb Platinum and a senior executive associated with Dubai Silicon Oasis. Drawing on years of experience in the UAE’s innovation ecosystem, Al Falasi argued that Dubai and Colombo can function as complementary gateways. While Dubai provides access to global capital, logistics, and international markets, Colombo offers proximity to one of the world’s fastest-growing regions.
A key message throughout the event was Sri Lanka’s effort to shift international perceptions from economic recovery to economic transformation.
Presidential Special Envoy for Foreign Investment Hanif Yusoof told participants that Sri Lanka now presents a unique proposition for investors seeking stable access to South Asian markets. He described Port City Colombo as the centrepiece of the country’s long-term development strategy, comparing its future role to Dubai’s function as a gateway to the Middle East and North Africa.
Meanwhile, Colombo Port City Economic Commission Chairman Harsha Amarasekera detailed the project’s recent progress and rising investor interest. He stressed that Port City Colombo is not intended to compete with Gulf financial centres but rather complement them by offering businesses a South Asian base of operations.
Director General Revan Wickramasuriya highlighted the project’s regulatory framework, tax incentives, and investor protection measures designed to meet international standards and attract globally mobile capital.
The gathering concluded with renewed optimism about UAE-Sri Lanka economic cooperation. Participants left with a clear message: Sri Lanka is seeking to redefine its place in the regional economy and position Port City Colombo as a launchpad for businesses targeting South Asia’s future growth opportunities.