Sri Lanka 2025-2030: Private sector opportunities in changing global economy

THE International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), (ICC is represented in Sri Lanka by ICCSL) the world's largest business organisation representing 45 million companies across 170+ countries, has warned of the serious risks posed by tariff retaliation and advocates for a stable, open global trading system.

- BY DINESH WEERAKKODY

Against this backdrop, Sri Lanka's journey from 2025 to 2030 stands as a critical inflection point as it charts its course from economic recovery to sustainable growth.

Emerging from a severe crisis, the nation faces pivotal opportunities and challenges that will reshape its global standing. This pivotal moment coincides with the G7's and G 20s recalibration of global engagement, driven by intensified US-China competition. Their push for economic “de-risking” and sustainable supply chains is deepening the formation of new regional economic blocs. For the Sri Lankan private sector, this geopolitical shift in business relationships presents tangible strategic openings to enhance its relevance on the global stage and become profitable MNCs.

Strategic location

Sri Lanka's strategic location, supported by deep-water ports in Colombo and potentially Trincomalee, a well-educated workforce, and multiple free trade agreements with countries such as India, Thailand and Singapore—and possibly with China and Vietnam makes it an attractive destination for logistics and manufacturing investment. These advantages position the country as a potential Indo-Pacific hub for economic activity. To fully harness this potential, Sri Lanka must promote sectors such as high-value apparel, electronics assembly, pharmaceuticals, shipping, tourism and logistics services and BPO services.

Opportunity