A high-level business delegation from Sri Lanka, led by the Chairman of the Chamber of Lankan Entrepreneurs (COYLE), met with officials from Trade and Investment KwaZulu-Natal (TIKZN) on 18th September 2025 in Pretoria, South Africa. The delegation, comprising 23 prominent Sri Lankan entrepreneurs, was in South Africa to participate in the G20 Young Entrepreneurs’ Alliance (YEA) Summit held in Johannesburg from 19th to 21st September 2025.
The meeting was facilitated by the High Commission of Sri Lanka in Pretoria, with the objective of fostering economic ties, promoting bilateral trade, and exploring investment opportunities between Sri Lanka and the KwaZulu-Natal Province of South Africa. TIKZN is the official agency responsible for driving trade, investment, and tourism initiatives in the province.
The High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to South Africa, Air Chief Marshal Udeni Rajapaksa (Retd.), welcomed the engagement and highlighted Sri Lanka’s recent economic progress. He emphasized the country’s emerging sectors and invited South African businesses to explore trade and investment prospects in Sri Lanka.
During the session, Chairman of the COYLE Manjula Wijesundera, provided an overview of the chamber’s mission, objectives, and activities. He was followed by Dinuk Hettiarachchi, who introduced the members of the delegation and outlined their business sectors and potential areas of collaboration.
The meeting concluded with a productive networking session, coordinated by Second Secretary (Commercial) Thiloka Perera, allowing delegates from both sides to exchange insights and explore specific partnership opportunities.
In addition to the Pretoria meeting, the Sri Lankan Mission also facilitated an engagement with Honorary Consul in Cape Town Jonathan Jacob on 15th September 2025. During the discussions, the parties agreed to explore potential avenues for trade and investment in the Western Cape region, further reinforcing Sri Lanka’s commitment to deepening economic engagement across South Africa.
High Commission of Sri Lanka
Pretoria
25 September 2025
