The Indo–Sri Lanka Chamber of Commerce & Industry (ISCCI)

ISCCI Hosts Second Edition of Bridging Borders” Financial Dialogue in Colombo
Theme: Enabling Sri Lanka’s Market Bond Issuance in Indian Currency – Pathways, Policies, and Preparedness
Date: Wednesday, 15th October 2025
Venue: BMICH, Colombo | Time: 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM | Followed by High Tea

The Indo–Sri Lanka Chamber of Commerce & Industry (ISCCI) held its second edition of its flagship financial dialogue series titled Bridging Borders II: Enabling Sri Lanka’s Market Bond Issuance in Indian Currency – Pathways, Policies, and Preparedness.”
The event was held on 15th October 2025 at the BMICH, Colombo, and joined by distinguished policymakers, financial experts, economists, and industry leaders from both nations.
The Bridging Borders” series is part of ISCCI’s continued effort to foster financial cooperation and policy alignment between India and Sri Lanka, particularly in strengthening cross-border financing mechanisms and enabling frameworks for currency-linked investments. The second edition focused on exploring the feasibility and roadmap for Sri Lanka to issue market bonds in Indian Rupees (INR) — a development that could significantly enhance regional financial integration, trade liquidity, and investor confidence.

Distinguished Guests and Dignitaries
The Chamber was deeply honored to host an eminent lineup of dignitaries:
• Chief Guest: Hon. Dr. Anil Jayantha, M.P., Minister of Labour & Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning, Government of Sri Lanka
• Guest of Honor: Dr. Satyanjal Pandey, Deputy High Commissioner, High Commission of India, Colombo
• Keynote Address: Snr. Prof. D.B.P.H. Dissabandara, Senior Professor of Finance, University of Sri Jayewardenepura

Panel Discussion: Building the Bridge to Financial Integration
A high-level panel discussion bought together some of the region’s most respected financial and policy experts, including:
• Hon. Eran Wickramaratne – Former State Minister of Finance, Sri Lanka
• Eng. Nissanka N. Wijeratne – Secretary General & CEO, Chamber of Construction Industry of Sri Lanka
• Mr. Sachith Perera – CEO, First Capital Ltd., Sri Lanka
• Mr. Prins Perera – Senior Vice President, DFCC Bank
• Dr. Naresh Bana – Global PPP Specialist & Vice Chairman, ISCCI
• Moderator: Mr. Talal Rafi, Economist & Global Thought Leader
The discussion focused on key enablers for cross-border financial cooperation, including:
• Frameworks for INR-denominated bond issuance in Sri Lanka
• Strengthening regional capital market connectivity
• Harmonizing fiscal and monetary regulations
• Opportunities for public-private partnerships (PPP) in financial infrastructure
• Strategies to enhance investor participation from India and beyond

Advancing Indo–Sri Lankan Economic Synergy
Speaking about the initiative, Dr Sarath Obeysekera, Snr. Vice President ISCCI, shared:
This dialogue reflects our shared commitment to deepen Indo–Sri Lankan financial linkages. Enabling market bond issuance in Indian currency could open new avenues for bilateral trade, investment, and economic stability. Through ‘Bridging Borders II,’ we aim to create a roadmap for long-term financial engagements between our two nations.”

Mr. Udaya Seneviratne, Snr. Advisor to ISCCI, added:
As Sri Lanka’s financial markets evolve, integrating with India’s bond market framework presents a historic opportunity. This dialogue brings together key voices from both countries to define a collaborative and sustainable approach.”

About ISCCI
The Indo–Sri Lanka Chamber of Commerce & Industry (ISCCI) serves as a vital platform promoting bilateral trade, investment, and cultural exchange between India and Sri Lanka. Through policy dialogues, sectoral summits, and business partnerships, ISCCI works to enhance cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, finance, energy, tourism, agriculture, and the blue economy.

Media and Contact Information
For press inquiries or media coverage coordination, please contact:
Dr. Sarath Obeysekera
Senior Vice President, ISCCI – Colombo
📞 +94 777309290
Mr. Udaya Seneviratne
Senior Advisor, ISCCI – Colombo
📞 +94 717 247 873
Dr. Naresh Bana
Vice Chairman, ISCCI – India
📞 +91 99680 75289
Email: info@iscci.org
Website: www.iscci.org
Issued by:
The Indo–Sri Lanka Chamber of Commerce & Industry (ISCCI)
Date: 15th October 2025
Colombo / New Delhi

Regards

Dr Sarath Obeysekera