The forum marked an important milestone in further strengthening the long-standing and trusted relationship between Sri Lanka and Germany, built on decades of strong diplomatic engagement and growing trade and investment cooperation.
This year’s forum welcomed key decision-makers from both the German public and private sectors, who travelled to Sri Lanka to explore new opportunities for collaboration, investment, and knowledge exchange. Their participation reflected Germany’s continued confidence in Sri Lanka as a strategic partner and an emerging destination for business and investment in the region.
The primary objective of the forum was to raise awareness of Sri Lanka’s potential as an attractive destination for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), with a strong focus on the maritime and logistics sectors, while also fostering meaningful business partnerships between Sri Lankan and German companies. With its strategic location along major global shipping routes, Sri Lanka is uniquely positioned to develop into a competitive regional hub for ports, logistics, and maritime services. The forum successfully promoted this value proposition while encouraging long-term, sustainable collaboration between the two countries.
The three-day programme officially commenced on 27 May 2026 at TRACE Expert City, Colombo, with a dedicated kickoff and startup night. This opening event provided an important platform for Sri Lankan startups and the IT sector to showcase their innovations, technological capabilities, and business solutions to an international audience. By highlighting the country’s growing digital and entrepreneurial ecosystem, the event created opportunities for collaboration in innovation-driven sectors and set the tone for the broader discussions that followed.
The highlight of the forum was the main conference held on 28 May 2026 at the ITC Ratnadipa Hotel, which brought together senior government officials, business leaders, and international experts for a full day of high-level discussions and networking. The conference was graced by Hon. Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, Prime Minister of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, as the Chief Guest, demonstrating the importance of the event at a national level.
The conference also featured a distinguished lineup of keynote speakers and dignitaries, including H.E. Dr. Felix Neumann, German Ambassador to Sri Lanka and the Maldives, Dr. Nicole Renvert of the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DIHK), Mr. Tobias Pierlings from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy, and Mrs. Almut Rößner from the German Asia-Pacific Business Association (OAV).
Throughout the main conference, participants engaged in a series of high-level panel discussions focusing on key areas of bilateral economic cooperation. A major theme was the development of Sri Lanka’s maritime sector, with discussions centred on unlocking the full potential of the country’s ports as gateways to regional trade and economic growth. Industry experts and policymakers explored investment opportunities, operational efficiencies, and strategies to enhance Sri Lanka’s position as a leading maritime hub.
Further discussions focused on strengthening exports to the European Union by embracing digitalisation, sustainability, and the effective utilisation of GSP+ trade benefits, providing practical insights for Sri Lankan exporters to expand their global footprint. Another critical area of focus was financing and mobilizing capital for port infrastructure, where experts examined innovative financing models, including blended finance mechanisms and international partnerships, to support large-scale infrastructure development. In addition, the forum addressed opportunities in emerging markets, highlighting actionable strategies and success stories that demonstrated pathways for sustainable business growth.
The final day of the programme, 29 May 2026, featured company visits and institutional engagements, offering the German delegation first-hand exposure to Sri Lanka’s industrial and operational capabilities. These visits showcased Sri Lanka’s skilled workforce, high operational standards, and sector-specific expertise, further strengthening investor confidence and supporting informed decision-making on future collaborations.
The Sri Lankan–German Business Forum 2026 was organized by AHK Sri Lanka in cooperation with German and Sri Lankan partners, and with the support of numerous international and local stakeholders, including development institutions, industry associations, and private sector partners. This collaborative framework reflected a shared commitment to promoting sustainable economic growth, strengthening bilateral trade, and creating an enabling environment for investment.
By bringing together key decision-makers, investors, and industry leaders from both countries, the forum successfully unlocked new avenues for trade, investment, and innovation. It further reinforced Sri Lanka’s position as a strategic partner for Germany in the region, while supporting the country’s ambition to emerge as a key hub for maritime, logistics, and global trade.
Event Gallery:
- Kick-off Event: https://ibb.co/3yqz2p6N
- Main Conference & Cocktail & Networking Event: https://ibb.co/album/0sqpCg