AmCham Sri Lanka CEO Forum 2026 calls for reform, resilience and regional collaboration

THE American Chamber of Commerce in Sri Lanka (AmCham SL) successfully concluded its flagship CEO Forum 2026 recently, held under the theme “Accelerating Sri Lanka’s Rebuild.”

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The Forum brought together over 200 C-level executives, policymakers, development partners, and global thought leaders, reaffirming its position as one of Sri Lanka’s most influential leadership platforms.With overwhelmingly positive feedback from participants, the Forum delivered a full day of strategic dialogue focused on restoring economic confidence, advancing reform, strengthening sustainability, supporting SMEs, enhancing public-private collaboration, and embedding inclusive leadership into corporate and national decision-making.

The Forum commenced with an inspiring opening keynote address by US Embassy in Sri Lanka Chargé d’Affaires Jayne Howell, who underscored the importance of private-sector leadership in Sri Lanka’s recovery and called for expanding strong, fair two-way trade between the US and Sri Lanka.

She also highlighted opportunities to increase Sri Lankan purchases of high-quality American goods, technology, and energy solutions, and emphasised that growth in trade and logistics including through the continued expansion of the Port of Colombo, strengthens supply chains, supports jobs, and drives economic growth in both countries.

In addition, Howell encouraged deeper commercial engagement, including participation in initiatives such as the SelectUSA Investment summit.

Bold economic vision

In the keynote by Treasury Secretary Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma and the first panel discussion titled ‘A New Chapter for Sri Lanka: Restoring Economic Confidence Through Reform, Resilience and International Engagement’, outlined Sri Lanka’s ambition to achieve 7% annual economic growth, with the long-term objective of doubling the economy within a decade and progressing toward a Rs. 200 billion economic milestone.