The International Business Conclave 2026 and Industry Visit Programme was successfully conducted from 10 to 14 August 2026, covering Chennai, Tiruchirappalli, Madurai and Coimbatore.
The Roadshow was organised as a preparatory initiative for the International Business Conclave 2026 in Sri Lanka, scheduled to take place from 16 to 24 September 2026. The programme aimed to explore import, export and investment opportunities in Sri Lanka and strengthen bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, technology transfer, industrial collaboration and business networking.
On 11 August 2026, Deputy High Commissioner Dr. Ganesanathan Geathiswaran visited the Vedha Milk Factory in Tiruchirappalli and gained insights into its dairy-processing infrastructure, production facilities, operational model and related technologies.
The visit provided an opportunity to exchange views on introducing or adapting similar dairy-processing models and technologies in Sri Lanka, subject to further technical and commercial assessment. Vedha Milk Factory also expressed interest in exploring investment opportunities in Sri Lanka, including a proposed investment of approximately USD 2 million to establish a dairy farm and milk-processing facility.
Discussions also explored avenues for future cooperation in dairy development, technology transfer, investment and value-added agricultural production.
In the evening, a Business Roadshow was held in Tiruchirappalli with the participation of 56 business leaders and representatives from various sectors. The event provided a platform to engage with entrepreneurs and companies interested in exploring opportunities in Sri Lanka and establishing mutually beneficial commercial partnerships.
The discussions focused on cooperation in trade, including imports and exports, investment and industrial collaboration, contributing to the strengthening of economic and commercial relations between Sri Lanka and India.
On 12 August 2026, during his visit to Madurai, Deputy High Commissioner Dr. Ganesanathan Geathiswaran visited a millet processing factory to gain insights into its processing infrastructure, production capabilities, value-added products and business model.
The visit provided an opportunity to exchange views on developing similar facilities and establishing partnerships in Sri Lanka. Discussions explored cooperation in millet-based products, food processing and value addition, technology transfer, market development, export opportunities and agricultural partnerships.
The engagement highlighted the potential for strengthening cooperation in value-added agricultural production and food-processing industries, while promoting the exchange of knowledge, technology and business expertise between India and Sri Lanka.
In the evening, the Roadshow continued in Madurai with the participation of 136 business leaders and representatives from various sectors, making it the largest gathering of the Tamil Nadu Roadshow programme. The event was held with the support of the Tamil Nadu Chamber of Commerce and Industry, a longstanding business organisation with approximately 5,500 active members.
The Madurai Roadshow provided a platform for engaging with the local business community and exchanging views on enhanced India–Sri Lanka cooperation in trade, investment, industrial development and business partnerships. The discussions also encouraged greater participation by Tamil Nadu businesses in exploring opportunities in Sri Lanka.
On 13 August 2026, during his visit to Coimbatore, Deputy High Commissioner Dr. Ganesanathan Geathiswaran visited a jasmine processing facility and gained insights into modern processing methods, value-added products and opportunities for international market expansion.
The visit highlighted the commercial potential of jasmine beyond its traditional use as a fresh flower, particularly through value addition, processing, fragrance-related products and export-oriented opportunities. Discussions also explored the potential for promoting jasmine cultivation in Sri Lanka through appropriate agricultural and commercial models, including possible contract farming arrangements. The exchange further considered opportunities to develop an integrated value chain encompassing cultivation, farmer participation, processing, value addition and export development.
The fourth Roadshow of the programme was subsequently held in Coimbatore, one of Tamil Nadu’s prominent industrial and entrepreneurial centres, with the participation of 52 business leaders and representatives from various sectors.
The interaction provided an opportunity to engage with entrepreneurs and industry representatives and highlight opportunities available through the International Business Conclave 2026 and Sri Lanka’s broader investment and business environment. Discussions focused on mutually beneficial cooperation in manufacturing, technology, imports and exports, investment and business partnerships.
The Coimbatore Roadshow further contributed to strengthening engagement with the Tamil Nadu business community and promoting greater economic and commercial cooperation between Sri Lanka and India.
On 14 August 2026, as a continuation of the Tamil Nadu Roadshow and industry engagement programme, Deputy High Commissioner Dr. Ganesanathan Geathiswaran participated in an Electric Vehicle (EV) prototype testing and technology assessment programme.
The engagement provided an opportunity to gain insights into the technology, performance capabilities and potential commercial applications of the EV prototype, including its reported driving range of approximately 400 kilometres on a single charge.
The discussions also explored the relevance of such technologies to Sri Lanka’s evolving electric mobility sector and opportunities for future cooperation between India and Sri Lanka in technology collaboration, investment, EV manufacturing and assembly, technology transfer, market development and sustainable mobility solutions.
The visit provided valuable insights into emerging developments in electric mobility and highlighted the potential for mutually beneficial collaboration between India and Sri Lanka in this rapidly evolving sector.
Deputy High Commission of Sri Lanka
Chennai
18 August 2026
