A group of Australian investors and entrepreneurs has committed to direct investment across several sectors in Sri Lanka following a round of talks held at Clyde North in the state of Victoria.
The discussions were led by Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Sunil Handunnetti. Hiru News reported that the government delegation also included the Deputy Director General of the Board of Investment and the Chairman of the Sri Lanka Export Development Board.
What was agreed
Investors agreed to establish sustainable energy solutions through the firm ECOGEN, and sustainable recycling processes for the apparel sector through AusLoop Global Solutions.
FRMAFIRST is to launch a large-scale commercial dairy farm with a capacity of 2,000 cattle, together with a modern livestock breeding project designed to withstand the effects of climate change.
A further proposal covers a large-scale manufacturing plant producing 3D printing technology and equipment from recycled plastic, centred on the Industrial Development Board’s Ekala industrial estate.
Talks also covered integrated aquaculture ventures, eco-friendly tourism hotel projects in the Marawila area, and food-processing industries through OSCS Holdings, along with projects involving FLEXIMAKE.
Framing
The Industry Ministry said the Australian investors expressed appreciation for the transparency and credibility emerging in Sri Lanka’s business sector under the current administration, and agreed to start the projects quickly.
The commitments are presented as part of the national programme to strengthen the country’s manufacturing economy and attract foreign direct investment. Handunnetti has been running an industrial-policy agenda that this year included the INTEX–INMAC textile machinery exhibition.
No investment values, equity structures or construction timelines were disclosed for any of the projects, and none has yet been confirmed as a registered BOI project.
Minister’s appeal to the diaspora
The talks coincided with “Sri Lankan Entrepreneurs Night 2026”, an event organised by the Australia–Sri Lanka Business Forum at a Clyde North venue, where Handunnetti delivered the keynote address.
He urged Sri Lankan entrepreneurs living in Australia to play a leading role in developing the country’s industrial and technological sectors, Ada Derana reported. Overseas entrepreneurs and investors had an important part to play in helping Sri Lanka overcome its economic difficulties and build a stronger production-based economy, he said, inviting them to bring investment, expertise and international experience to the country.
The Minister said a new economic environment had been established in Sri Lanka, describing it as investment-friendly, transparent and free from corruption. He also stressed the need to strengthen the country’s industrial and technological capabilities to support sustainable growth.
Sri Lankan Consul General in Melbourne Pradeepa Saram and Australian federal parliamentarian Cassandra Fernando attended, along with other officials, diplomats and business figures. Ada Derana renders the Minister’s surname as Handunneththi; this report uses the spelling carried by NewsFirst and Hiru News.
