Sri Lanka’s Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development, Chathuranga Abeysinghe, expresses gratitude to the Government and people of India for their support during Sri Lanka’s economic crisis, saying bilateral relations are strengthening and both countries have significant opportunities to deepen economic cooperation.
Speaking to media in New Delhi, Abeysinghe said India had provided immense support to Sri Lanka during the economic crisis over the past few years, adding that Colombo was grateful for the assistance extended by New Delhi and the Indian people.
Abeysinghe said diplomatic and financial relations between the two neighbours were growing stronger, with both sides recognising the importance of cooperation in the Indian Ocean region and the wider Global South.
The Deputy Minister said Sri Lanka was keen to expand economic cooperation with India across manufacturing, investment, port development, energy and digital transformation. He highlighted India’s engagement in Sri Lanka’s development projects, including initiatives relating to digitisation, ports and rural upliftment. Abeysinghe called for closer engagement between Indian and Sri Lankan startups, saying Sri Lanka could learn from India’s experience in developing an entrepreneurial ecosystem.
His remarks underline the importance Sri Lanka attaches to its partnership with India, particularly following the economic crisis, as the two neighbours seek to expand cooperation in trade, investment, infrastructure and regional connectivity.
Published: Saturday, 24 October 2026 | 2:28 PM IST