The High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka, H.E. Santosh Jha, praised the Indian CEO Forum (ICF) for its vital role in enhancing economic collaboration and partnership between India and Sri Lanka during the Forum’s recent Annual General Meeting (AGM). The AGM underscored the Forum’s dedication to bolstering business relations, investment opportunities, professional networking, and corporate engagement between the two nations. Kishore Reddy was re-elected as President, demonstrating the trust placed in his leadership and the strategic direction of the Forum by its member companies.
High Commissioner Jha attended the AGM and commended the Forum’s ongoing initiatives aimed at fostering economic cooperation and bilateral collaboration. He emphasized the significance of strengthening both governmental and business interactions to stimulate economic growth and enhance regional cooperation. Jha recognized the ICF’s efforts in cultivating stronger commercial ties and professional partnerships between the Indian and Sri Lankan business sectors.
He also pointed out the increasing contributions of Indian enterprises in Sri Lanka and stressed the importance of continued collaboration in various sectors, including investment, infrastructure, tourism, technology, education, logistics, and services. Jha remarked that organizations like the ICF are instrumental in advancing bilateral economic diplomacy and building investor confidence between the two countries.
During the AGM, Jha engaged in a discussion with President Kishore Reddy, highlighting the robust and evolving relationship between India and Sri Lanka. He noted the necessity for improved connectivity—whether digital, energy, maritime, or land—and discussed the potential benefits of upgrading the India-Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement (FTA) to stimulate further growth and investment. He also highlighted the favorable trade dynamics for Sri Lanka under the current FTA with India and encouraged Indian businesses to adopt a ‘Neighborhood First’ approach.
The AGM attracted over 100 attendees, including industry leaders from Sri Lanka, senior government officials, and members of the diplomatic community. Reddy’s re-election is particularly timely as the Forum continues to expand its influence as a prominent platform for business cooperation, investment facilitation, policy engagement, and corporate responsibility in Sri Lanka. His leadership is seen as vital for maintaining continuity and stability in the longstanding economic partnership between the two nations.
Kishore Reddy, a distinguished business leader with a diverse background in real estate, investments, hospitality, and networking, has significantly enhanced the visibility and impact of the ICF within Sri Lanka’s corporate and diplomatic spheres. Under his stewardship, the Forum has successfully promoted engagement among Indian businesses, Sri Lankan companies, policymakers, and key stakeholders across various sectors.
During his address at the AGM, Reddy reiterated that the strength of the ICF lies in its members and their ongoing commitment to collaboration. He stated, “The strength of ICF is, and will always remain, its members. Every interaction and initiative undertaken through the Forum adds value not only to individual members but also to the broader business community and the economic ties between India and Sri Lanka.”
The Forum emphasized that business networking should be viewed not just as a personal advantage, but as a collective effort to strengthen the overall business ecosystem and foster people-to-people relationships between the two countries. The AGM also showcased the unique engagement opportunities created by the Forum, which have included participation from senior bureaucrats, diplomats, and representatives from crucial state institutions, facilitating valuable public-private dialogues.
Beyond its focus on business and investment, the ICF is committed to social responsibility and humanitarian initiatives. The Forum and its members have actively contributed to community outreach and support programs during national crises, underscoring the commitment of Indian businesses to Sri Lanka’s development. During Cyclone Ditwa, the ICF provided essential aid to remote areas, with member companies donating over $2 million to assist the local population and support government recovery efforts.
The ICF aims to assist prospective investors by enhancing market understanding, fostering institutional engagement, and encouraging collaboration across sectors, including tourism, IT, education, infrastructure, manufacturing, and services. The Forum is poised to further solidify its role as a proactive business platform dedicated to promoting investment, bilateral cooperation, member engagement, and social impact.
The objectives of the Indian CEO Forum include enhancing economic cooperation between India and Sri Lanka, facilitating closer ties among businesses and policymakers, and contributing to Sri Lanka’s economic development through increased Indian investment and trade. The ICF serves as a primary bridge for Indian companies exploring opportunities in Sri Lanka and vice versa, promoting and facilitating new investments while ensuring the strengthening of existing partnerships.
As a high-level platform for dialogue among CEOs, senior business leaders, government representatives, and industry stakeholders, the ICF fosters new business, trade, and strategic partnerships across various sectors. It provides a collaborative forum for Indian-origin enterprises and Sri Lankan companies to share ideas, tackle challenges, and pursue mutual opportunities, highlighting Sri Lanka as an attractive investment destination through its advocacy and networking initiatives.
Looking ahead, the Forum remains committed to advancing India-Sri Lanka business relations, empowering members, enhancing professional collaboration, and contributing significantly to the economic progress and regional partnership shared by both nations.
The current leadership of the Indian CEO Forum includes Kishore Reddy as President, with Prakash TS and Umesh Gautam serving as Past Presidents. Other board members include K. Raghu as Vice President, Gaurav Mehta as Secretary, Anita Sontumyra as Treasurer, and several chairs leading various initiatives and committees within the organization.
