Opposition Leader calls for cooperation with India’s technological rise
05-Nov-2025.
India’s progress in manufacturing and technology does not pose a challenge to Sri Lanka, said Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, who called for both countries to work together in cooperation.
During his official visit to Delhi, Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa met with senior officials of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and discussed key matters of mutual concern.
He focused on strengthening economic cooperation between Sri Lanka and India and expanding trade and investment ties during his discussions with senior CII officials in New Delhi.
The Confederation of Indian Industry, India’s leading trade association, represents more than 9,000 direct members and about 300,000 indirect members through its networks of industries, services, and small and medium enterprises.
During the discussions, Premadasa engaged on topics including technological collaboration, industrial partnerships, and new opportunities under the Indo–Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement.
He emphasized Sri Lanka’s commitment to promoting a private-sector-driven, innovation-based development model, and invited Indian industry to play a significant role in Sri Lanka’s post-restructuring economic recovery.
Premadasa added that there were great opportunities for bilateral cooperation in fields such as agricultural processing, renewable energy, logistics, digital technology, and manufacturing.
The Indian representatives briefed him on India’s ongoing industrial priorities, including the “Make in India” initiative, Digital India, Industry 4.0, and the transition toward green energy.
Both sides agreed that closer integration with Sri Lanka could help generate shared regional value and employment opportunities. Premadasa also proposed the establishment of a Sri Lanka–India Industrial
Council to identify investment opportunities and strengthen collaboration between the Sri Lanka Export Development Board and Indian industrial networks.
He further invited Indian business delegations to visit Colombo to explore trade and technology partnerships.
“The rise of India in manufacturing and technology is not a challenge to Sri Lanka. Therefore, I call for us to act in cooperation,” said Sajith Premadasa.
The discussions concluded with mutual understanding that both countries must work together through extensive public–private participation to encourage sustainable, technology-driven regional development.
