More than a pitch for capital, the Port City Colombo Investor Forum in Singapore became a narrative of renewal, confidence, and Sri Lanka’s evolving place in the global economy.
On 27 January 2026, Sri Lanka brought its story of transformation to Singapore, as policymakers, investors, and business leaders gathered at Casuarina, Shangri-La for the Exclusive Port City Colombo Investor Forum, hosted by the High Commission of Sri Lanka to Singapore.
The forum was not framed as a simple investment roadshow. Instead, it was positioned as a conversation about where Sri Lanka has been, what it has learned, and how it is reshaping its future. At the centre of this narrative was Port City Colombo, a purpose-built extension of the capital that reflects the country’s ambition to move decisively into high-value global services.
Opening the forum, His Excellency Senarath Dissanayake, High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to Singapore, described Port City Colombo as a once-in-a-generation opportunity. Strategically located along one of the world’s busiest East–West maritime corridors, the city is designed to function as a global financial and business hub, supported by a distinct legal, fiscal, and regulatory framework aligned with international standards.
As the discussions unfolded, the forum traced Sri Lanka’s journey from crisis to confidence. Hon. Hanif Yusoof, Governor of the Western Province and Presidential Special Envoy for Foreign Investment, addressed the economic challenges the country faced just three years ago. Inflation had surged, reserves had fallen, and growth had sharply contracted. Today, he said, the picture is markedly different. Inflation has stabilised, growth has returned, and Sri Lanka’s recovery has been recognised by international institutions as one of the fastest economic turnarounds in recent times.
Yet, speakers were careful to stress that this moment is not about recovery alone. As one message echoed throughout the forum, Sri Lanka is not merely rebounding – it is transforming. Structural reforms, a strengthened constitutional framework, and the creation of an independent central bank were presented as evidence of a long-term shift towards discipline, transparency, and predictability.
That sense of permanence was reinforced by Mr. Harsha Amarasekara, Chairman of the Colombo Port City Economic Commission, who outlined the legislative backbone supporting Port City Colombo. Established by law and governed by an independent commission, the zone operates with a single-window investment framework, regulatory clarity, and investor-centred governance. Trust, he noted, is the most valuable currency for investors, and Port City Colombo has been designed with that principle at its core.
The forum also reflected the growing alignment between Sri Lanka and Singapore. Mr. Neil Parekh, Deputy Chairman and CEO of GFTN Capital, spoke of how Singapore-based investors increasingly look beyond opportunity alone, focusing instead on policy clarity, governance standards, and execution credibility. In this context, Sri Lanka’s reforms and the Western Province’s positioning as a financial and commercial hub have begun to resonate more strongly with long-term institutional capital.
From an industry perspective, Mr. Anthony Chua, CEO of the Real Estate Developers’ Association of Singapore, highlighted the discipline behind Port City Colombo’s master planning. From climate-sensitive design to internationally benchmarked urban planning, the project’s steady transition from vision to reality was seen as a signal of seriousness and commitment.
The forum also featured leading global partners. Keppel, a global asset manager and operator established in 1968, was highlighted for its deep capabilities in infrastructure, real estate, and connectivity. Operating in over 20 countries, Keppel is structured around fund management, investment, and operating platforms. Listed on the Singapore Exchange since 1980, Keppel counts Temasek as a major shareholder, with a 20.4% direct stake, underscoring strong institutional backing.
Port City Colombo is more than a development project. It represents Sri Lanka’s strategic shift toward high-value global services and its intent to offer investors a stable, transparent, and future-ready platform for long-term growth.
