Sri Lanka Economic Summit 2023 kicks off today

President Ranil Wickremesinghe

Ceylon Chamber Chairman Duminda Hulangamuwa

Keynote speaker Montek Singh Ahluwalia

The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce will kick off the Sri Lanka Economic Summit 2023 today evening at the Shangri-La Hotel, Colombo, with President Ranil Wickremesinghe attending as the Chief Guest. 

The inauguration will also feature a keynote address and fireside chat with Planning Commission of India former Deputy Chairman Montek Singh Ahluwalia. The Chairman of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce Duminda Hulangamuwa will deliver the welcome address.

Marking its 23rd consecutive year, the summit which will continue to Wednesday will be conducted under the theme, “Sustain Reform, Accelerate Growth,” addressing critical aspects of the Sri Lankan economy and its trajectory towards stability and prosperity. 

This year’s Summit will host over 600 participants, who will have the opportunity to hear insights from a diverse array of speakers.

In the face of economic challenges encountered in 2022, the SLES 2023 assumes paramount significance as Sri Lanka embarks on a stabilisation program. Central to this effort is the initiation of the 17th IMF program, symbolising a renewed commitment to economic reforms. The summit aims to focus on meeting the structural benchmarks outlined under this program to ensure sustained stability.

The two-day summit will explore strategies to leverage this opportune moment for accelerating economic progress. Discussions will revolve around balancing the twin objectives of meeting IMF program requirements and implementing reforms in critical areas. The summit emphasises the need for impactful implementation, transcending policy documents and committees, to drive tangible results for the nation. The event will feature panel discussions, keynote addresses, and interactive sessions with prominent speakers from diverse sectors. These sessions will provide valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities facing Sri Lanka’s economy and innovative solutions for sustainable growth.

Since its inauguration in 2000, the SLES has been an exceptional platform, bringing together policymakers, economists, and industry veterans from both national and international arenas. This year, the summit promises to be a vital forum for thought-provoking discussions on macroeconomic policies, stability and progress.