With the objective of strengthening awareness of Sri Lanka’s investment opportunities among investors and business stakeholders in Australia, a series of “Invest Sri Lanka” Investor Forums were held in Melbourne from 18 to 20 August 2026.
The forums were organised by the Securities and Exchange Commission of Sri Lanka (SEC) and the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE), in association with the Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Melbourne. The Capital Market Forums held on 18 and 19 August were primarily targeted at the Sri Lankan diaspora in Melbourne, while the forum held on 20 August focused on Australian fund managers, venture capital representatives and other investment stakeholders.
Delivering the welcome remarks, Consul General of Sri Lanka to Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania, Pradeepa Saram, highlighted the emerging investment opportunities arising from Sri Lanka’s improving economic environment and encouraged prospective investors to explore available avenues in Sri Lanka.
Addressing the forums, Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, Dr. P. Nandalal Weerasinghe, highlighted the country’s improving economic outlook and credit profile, noting that Sri Lanka’s rapid economic recovery had been recognised by the IMF as a case study. He also highlighted the progress made in strengthening Sri Lanka’s macroeconomic fundamentals and creditworthiness, as well as the importance of continued reforms in building investor confidence and supporting greater international investment engagement.
Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development, Chathuranga Abeysinghe, explained the reforms being implemented by the present Government in accordance with the mandate received from the people, including the establishment of a new political culture, the rule of law, fiscal discipline and economic transformation. He also highlighted that many investors were previously unaware that capital gains from investments in the Sri Lankan stock market were not subject to capital gains tax.
Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission of Sri Lanka, Senior Prof. D. B. P. H. Dissabandara, noted that Sri Lanka was strengthening its capital market through robust regulation, enhanced transparency and stronger investor protection. He emphasised that these measures were aimed at creating a more trusted and attractive investment environment and invited Australian investors to explore emerging opportunities in Sri Lanka’s capital market.
Through presentations and panel discussions, participants received insights into Sri Lanka’s economic reforms, macroeconomic outlook, financial stability, capital market developments and emerging investment opportunities. The discussions also provided an opportunity for Australian investors and business representatives to engage directly with Sri Lankan policymakers, regulators and private sector representatives and explore potential areas for investment and collaboration.
The conclusion of the Melbourne forums marked an important step in strengthening Sri Lanka’s engagement with the Australian investment community and the Sri Lankan diaspora, while creating greater awareness of opportunities arising from Sri Lanka’s economic recovery and ongoing capital market development.
Consulate General of Sri Lanka
Melbourne
28 August 2026
