France–Sri Lanka Investment Ties Accelerate at Paris Business Forum 2026
Sri Lanka is stepping boldly onto the global investment stage. On 30 January 2026, the Sri Lanka Business Forum hosted by MEDEF International in collaboration with the Embassy of Sri Lanka in France, ignited fresh momentum for France Sri Lanka economic ties, drawing a powerful line up of leading French corporations to Paris.
A Vision for Global Investors
Delivering the keynote, Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Chathuranga Abeysinghe unveiled Sri Lanka’s ambitious reform agenda designed to supercharge investor confidence and unlock export-led growth.
From digitisation and transparency initiatives to new legislative frameworks for minerals, Colombo Port City, and the Investment Single Window, Sri Lanka is positioning itself as South Asia’s most agile and investor friendly hub.
The Deputy Minister emphasized Sri Lanka’s strategic advantage at the crossroads of South and Southeast Asia, inviting French companies to seize the opportunity to partner in this transformation.
His address sparked a lively Q&A, underscoring the appetite for deeper collaboration.
France and Sri Lanka: Partners in Growth
The Forum was steered by Eric Le Corre, Chairman of the France–Sri Lanka Business Council at MEDEF International and Advisor to Michelin Group. In her welcome remarks, Ambassador Manisha Gunasekera hailed the Forum as a launchpad for a new era of investment partnerships, applauding MEDEF’s role in connecting French industry leaders with Sri Lanka’s fast-evolving opportunities.
Incentives That Speak to Investors
Priyanka Samaraweera, Executive Director of the Board of Investment (BOI), spotlighted Sri Lanka’s investor facilitation measures, including:
- Attractive tax holidays and fiscal incentives
- Tariff benefits under preferential trade agreements
- New industrial zones tailored for global investors
She extended an invitation to French companies to join the Investors’ Forum in Colombo on 30 March 2026, a pivotal event for forging partnerships on the ground.
Success Stories Already in Motion
The Forum showcased real-world success: Orange Marine CEO Didier Dillard highlighted the company’s collaboration with Colombo Dockyard PLC, which delivered the cable vessel Sophie Germain in 2023, with two more vessels scheduled for 2028 and 2029. This partnership underscored Sri Lanka’s competitive edge in advanced manufacturing and maritime engineering.
Looking Ahead: Global Platforms for Engagement
The Embassy spotlighted Sri Lanka Expo 2026 (18–21 June, Colombo) as a premier global showcase for buyers and investors. French companies were encouraged to participate and leverage Sri Lanka’s expanding role in international trade and innovation.
Strong French Presence
Heavyweights including SNCF, Bureau Veritas, Carrefour, Deviseo Fret, Emovis SAS, UBAF, Michelin, and Top Tech College joined the Forum, signalling robust French interest in Sri Lanka’s growth story. Their participation marked the beginning of a new wave of dialogue and collaboration between the two nations.
Sri Lanka France Future Built on Partnership
The Forum’s success reflects a shared commitment to outcome-driven engagement. With Sri Lanka’s reform agenda, strategic location, and investor-friendly climate, the stage is set for international investors to harness the island’s potential as a gateway to South Asia and beyond.