The High Commissioner of Sri Lanka, Rear Admiral Fred Senevirathne, met with the Chairman and members of Sri Lanka Lahore Business Council (SLBC) on 25 September 2025 at the Indigo Heights Hotel, Lahore.
Chairman of SLBC, Yasin Joyia and Honorary Consul of Sri Lanka in Lahore, led the council me mbers including the Conveners of Trade, Tourism, Sports, Minorities, and Public Relations along with other Executive Members, in extending a warm welcome to the High Commissioner.
The SLBC has been actively promoting trade, tourism, and cultural exchange between Sri Lanka and Pakistan. Notable achievements of the council include organizing business delegations, welcoming international business chambers, and facilitating trade opportunities. The council also focuses on enhancing tourism, strengthening public relations, and participating in international expos to showcase business opportunities in both countries.
High Commissioner Fred Senevirathne expressed his appreciation to the Chairman, Conveners, and the Executive members of SLBC for their warm hospitality and for arranging the meeting.
During the discussion, High Commissioner Senevirathne provided an overview of Sri Lanka’s current political and economic landscape, highlighting the new Government’s commitment to good governance and its vision to create greater opportunities for foreign investors.
He emphasized Sri Lanka’s remarkable journey of resilience in the aftermath of a severe economic crisis, highlighting the restoration of macroeconomic stability and a substantial rise in foreign reserves beyond critical thresholds. He also noted the stabilization of the foreign exchange rate, the increase in export earnings over the past six months, and the significant growth in tourist arrivals from across the globe. Furthermore, he underscored the steady inflow of foreign direct investment as a clear reflection of growing international confidence in Sri Lanka’s economic recovery.
The High Commissioner elaborated on the facilities and advantages available to foreign investors in Sri Lanka, reaffirming the Government’s strong commitment to cultivating a competitive and investor-friendly environment. He outlined several key benefits, including reduced corporate income tax rates for priority sectors such as small and medium enterprises (SMEs), export-oriented goods and services, information technology, education, tourism, and agriculture. He emphasized Sri Lanka’s strategic location along major maritime trade routes connecting the Far East, Middle East, Africa, Australia, Europe, and the Americas, offering seamless access to global shipping networks. The High Commissioner also highlighted the availability of a highly educated and adaptable workforce with expertise across diverse sectors of trade and commerce. Additionally, he noted the country’s robust infrastructure, comprising extensive road networks, advanced telecommunications, and fully equipped Export Processing Zones, as well as the provision of land allocations for prospective investment projects.
Finally, the High Commissioner invited Pakistani entrepreneurs and investors to explore opportunities in Sri Lanka’s dynamic sectors, including tourism and leisure, information technology, agriculture, apparel, export manufacturing, education, export services, and infrastructure. He also noted that the Sri Lankan business community is eager to strengthen its engagement with Pakistan’s vibrant industries, fostering mutually beneficial partnerships between the two nations.
Minister at the High Commission of Sri Lanka in Islamabad, A. Christy Ruban was also present at the meeting.
High Commission of Sri Lanka
Islamabad
08 October 2025
