The Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Mumbai, in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB), successfully facilitated a high-level Sri Lankan trade delegation to Mumbai from 8 to 13 August 2026. The strategic trade mission focused on expanding bilateral commercial ties, deepening supply chain integration, and fostering cross-border partnerships in the gem and jewellery sector as well as broader industrial and agricultural domains.
The delegation was led by Chairman and CEO of the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) Mangala Wijesinghe and comprised Chairman and CEO of the National Gem and Jewellery Authority (NGJA) S. P. Chaminda, key industry leaders, official representatives from the Sri Lanka Gem & Jewellery Association, Lanka Gem Dealers & Miners Association, and Ceylon Gem & Jewellery Traders Association, alongside premier Sri Lankan gem and jewellery enterprises.
The delegation commenced its itinerary with a visit to the India International Jewellery Show (IIJS), held at the Jio World Convention Centre and the Bombay Exhibition Centre, engaging directly with leading Indian buyers, trade bodies, and manufacturers to expand market access for Sri Lanka's ethically sourced gemstones.
The Consulate General facilitated a series of interactive sessions in partnership with premier trade bodies, including Bombay Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI), Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, Industry & Agriculture (MACCIA), World Trade Centre (WTC) Mumbai, All India Association of Industries (AIAI), International Chamber of Investment and Business (ICIB), and Mahratta Chamber of Commerce, Industries & Agriculture (MCCIA) in Pune. To further solidify commercial ties, Consul General of Sri Lanka in Mumbai Priyanga Wickramasinghe, hosted an exclusive diplomatic networking dinner. During these engagements, formal commitments were obtained from participating Indian chambers and industry bodies regarding delegations visiting and exhibiting at Sri Lanka Expo 2027, scheduled for 14–17 January 2027 in Colombo.
Addressing the business events, Consul General Wickramasinghe emphasized that the trade mission comes at a moment as Sri Lanka rolls out its National Export Development Plan (NEDP) 2026–2030, under which the government is actively transforming its economy into a knowledge-intensive, high-value, and sustainability-driven regional export and logistics hub. She underscored that a core priority of the NEDP is integrating the Sri Lankan business sector into regional value chains, streamlining trade facilitation, and promoting high-growth industries—making direct partnerships with Indian enterprises across the commercial hub of Western India central to realizing this strategic vision.
Emphasizing the vital role of Sri Lanka's traditional exports, Consul General Wickramasinghe noted that, as a crown jewel of Sri Lanka's export portfolio, the gem sector—renowned globally for ethically sourced, world-class sapphires, strict ESG standards, and centuries of artisanal craft—presents immense opportunities for value-chain partnerships, trade, and cross-border collaboration with India's vibrant jewellery industry. She also highlighted the direct maritime trade routes connecting Maharashtra’s major ports with Colombo as a vital asset for joint ventures in green manufacturing, electronics, digital services, and agro-processing.
Underlining the immense synergy between the Indian and Sri Lankan gem industries, NGJA Chairman S. P. Chaminda noted that combining Sri Lanka's high-grade raw gems, strict ESG standards, and artisanal heritage with India's manufacturing and distribution networks offers an unprecedented opportunity for mutual value addition.
Highlighting the overarching vision behind the mission, EDB Chairman Mangala Wijesinghe emphasized that Western India is a central market for expanding Sri Lanka’s export sector. He noted that these strategic interactions in Mumbai serve as a key driver ahead of Sri Lanka Expo 2027. He provided a detailed overview of the event and special incentives and invited participation from the Indian business community.
The Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Mumbai represents the Government of Sri Lanka across Maharashtra and Western India which includes Goa and Gujarat. Through its Commercial Section, the Consulate acts as a direct point of contact to facilitate trade inquiries, business matching, and investment promotion.
14 August 2026
