“Digital Infrastructure vital for ensuring Lanka’s Sustainable Growth”

“Sustained fiscal discipline, governance improvements and investments in digital infrastructure are vital to ensuring Sri Lanka’s economic recovery transitions into sustainable growth.”

This was opined by Senior Economist Sanjaya Ariyawansa during the presentation of the 10th Annual Outlook Report 2025 launched by the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce at the Economic Review and Outlook 2025 seminar last week.

Chairman of The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, Duminda Hulangamuwa, underscored the Chamber’s three-pillar strategy, Policy Advocacy, Engagement, and Market Access which guides its efforts to support the business community and drive economic progress.

He highlighted that while the EIU plays a critical role in policy advocacy, this seminar aligns with the Engagement pillar by fostering knowledge-sharing and dialogue on Sri Lanka’s economic outlook.

Emphasizing the importance of leveraging Sri Lanka’s resilience, he stated, “This year’s report not only reflects on challenges but also provides a roadmap for sustainable growth and the reforms essential for long-term stability.”

This year’s theme of the event was, “Consolidating Stability; Fostering Sustainable Growth”, encapsulates Sri Lanka’s progress toward economic recovery and resilience.

The keynote address was delivered by Dr. P. Nandalal Weerasinghe, Governor of the Central Bank, highlighting policy directions and economic priorities for 2025.

Organised by the Chamber’s Economic Intelligence Unit (EIU), the report provides a three-part analysis. The first section reviews Sri Lanka’s macroeconomic fundamentals, including growth, inflation, monetary policy, performance of the external, fiscal and the financial sector.

The second section offers a detailed review and outlook for ten key sectors: agriculture, tourism, retail, apparel, digital and IT/BPO, energy, logistics and transport, banking and insurance, fisheries, and poultry.

The final section presents a forward-looking analysis of global and regional economic trends, emphasizing their implications for Sri Lanka’s recovery and growth trajectory.

A panel discussion followed providing valuable insights into fiscal and monetary reforms, digital transformation, the investment climate, growth opportunities and challenges and regional economic trends.

The seminar concluded with closing remarks from Ariyawansa, who reiterated the Chamber’s commitment to driving policy advocacy and collaboration for economic recovery and sustainable development.

Source: Daily News