A high-level trade delegation from Southern Gujarat led by chamber president Ashok Jirawala visited Sri Lanka in early August to explore investment opportunities and foster bilateral commercial partnerships across multiple sectors.
A business delegation from the Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SGCCI) conducted an official visit to Sri Lanka from August 5 to 8, 2026, with the stated objective of expanding trade linkages and investment opportunities between the two regions. Led by SGCCI President Ashok Jirawala, the mission was facilitated by Sri Lanka's Consulate General in Mumbai and included prominent entrepreneurs representing textiles, renewable energy, gems and jewellery, apparel manufacturing, and import-export sectors.
During their stay, the Indian delegation participated in several high-level meetings and engagements. They attended the opening of INTEX Sri Lanka Expo 2026 to showcase India's textile and manufacturing capabilities, and met with Sulakshana Jayawardena, Director General of Sri Lanka's Board of Investment, to discuss policy incentives and industrial projects. The group also engaged with Mangala Wijesinghe, Chairman and CEO of the Sri Lanka Export Development Board, and visited local gem exporters to identify potential collaboration opportunities.
A significant outcome of the visit was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between SGCCI and the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, led by Chairperson Krishan Balendra. The agreement aims to facilitate institutional cooperation and long-term networking between the two chambers, supported by structured business-to-business meetings. The SGCCI, established in 1940 and headquartered in Surat—known as a global diamond-cutting hub and India's leading textile manufacturing centre—positioned the visit as part of its broader Global Connect initiative to link regional enterprises with international trade opportunities.
