Osaka businesses urged to tap new opportunities in transformative Sri Lanka

SRI Lanka yesterday urged investors and businesses based on Osaka to seize mutually beneficial opportunities as the country is on a path of economic recovery and transformation under the Presidency of Anura Kumara Disanayake.

- BY NISTHAR CASSIM IN OSAKA

This strong message was conveyed by Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Chathuranga Abeysinghe during his keynote at the Sri Lanka Business Forum and Networking Session organised by the Export Development Board and the Sri Lanka Embassy in Japan, on the sidelines of the World Expo 2025, Osaka. The forum was supported by the Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO).

“The relationship between Sri Lanka and Japan spans over decades, built on mutual respect, development cooperation, and people-to-people ties. Japan has been a strong partner in Sri Lanka’s journey of growth—from infrastructure and technology transfer to education and humanitarian support. We are here to transform this friendship into stronger business partnerships—creating value for both our countries,” said Abeysinghe at the Forum.

Nearly 100 business persons based in Osaka attended the event along with representatives from 20 Sri Lankan companies currently in Japan buttressing the State visit by President Anura Kumara Disanayake.

"Despite global challenges, Sri Lanka is on a path of economic recovery and transformation. People of the country have spoken, corruption and inefficiencies in public services will be eradicated with a strong political will, and we are now officially out of bankruptcy, moving into a rapid growth phase. Our Government is committed to fostering a competitive, export-driven, and innovation-led economy," emphasised Abeysinghe at the forum ahead of President Disanayake officiating at the Sri Lanka Day at World Expo 2025 in Osaka today.