Sandun Hapugoda
Jayne Howell
Damith Pallewatte
At a defining juncture in Sri Lanka’s economic recovery, the American Chamber of Commerce in Sri Lanka (AmCham Sri Lanka) will convene its flagship CEO Forum 2026 on Wednesday, 25th February 2026, from 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m., at the Oak Room, Cinnamon Grand Colombo. Held under the timely theme “Accelerating Sri Lanka’s Rebuild,” the Forum will bring together more than 250 C-suite leaders, senior policymakers, development partners, and global thought leaders for a full day of high-level dialogue focused on restoring confidence, strengthening resilience, and unlocking sustainable growth pathways for the country.
Positioned as one of Sri Lanka’s most influential leadership and policy platforms, the AmCham Sri Lanka CEO Forum 2026 comes at a pivotal moment as the nation transitions from stabilisation towards long-term economic transformation. Against a backdrop of reform momentum, evolving global dynamics, and increasing investor scrutiny, the Forum aims to move beyond conversation to actionable collaboration; bridging public policy, private enterprise, and international engagement.
A Platform for Strategic National Dialogue
Since its inception, the AmCham Sri Lanka CEO Forum has served as a trusted space for candid, solution-oriented discussions on the country’s economic direction. The 2026 edition builds on this legacy by addressing the urgent question facing Sri Lanka today; how to accelerate recovery while laying the foundations for inclusive, climate-resilient, and globally competitive growth. With its strong emphasis on reform, resilience, sustainability, and international partnership, the Forum is designed to support evidence-based policymaking and informed business decision-making. It will also explore how Sri Lanka can leverage global capital, technology, and trade relationships, particularly with the United States and Asia-Pacific markets, to strengthen its development trajectory. The Forum’s agenda reflects the realities of a complex global environment marked by geopolitical shifts, climate risk, inflationary pressures, and uneven growth. Within this context, the CEO Forum 2026 seeks to provide clarity, confidence, and direction to business leaders navigating uncertainty.
Distinguished Keynote Speakers and Policymakers
The CEO Forum 2026 will feature a distinguished line-up of keynote speakers representing government, international institutions, and global business networks. Among the confirmed keynote speakers are Jayne Howell, Chargé d’Affaires, U.S. Embassy in Sri Lanka; April Palmerlee, President, AmCham’s of Asia Pacific; Carey Arun, Principal Commercial Officer, U.S. Commercial Service, U.S. Consulate General Chennai; and Victor Antonypillai, Senior Country Officer for the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the World Bank in Sri Lanka. Their participation underscores the Forum’s strong international dimension and its focus on aligning Sri Lanka’s recovery with global best practices in governance, trade, and investment. The Forum will also feature senior Sri Lankan policymakers, including Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma, Secretary, Ministry of Finance; Hon. Minister Chathuranga Abeysinghe, Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development; and Mr. Hanif Yusoof, Governor of the Western Province. Their presence reflects the importance of policy coherence and public–private dialogue in rebuilding economic momentum. In addition, the CEO Forum 2026 will host a strong line-up of respected and prominent panellists from the private sector, public institutions, and leading development agencies. Further speaker announcements are expected in the coming weeks.
Five Thematic Panels Addressing Core National Priorities
At the heart of the Forum are five thematic panel discussions, each designed to tackle a critical pillar of Sri Lanka’s recovery and future development.
- Panel 01: A New Chapter for Sri Lanka; Restoring Economic Confidence Through Reform, Resilience & International Engagement.
This opening panel will examine the reform agenda needed to rebuild investor confidence and strengthen macroeconomic stability. Discussions will focus on governance, regulatory reform, fiscal discipline, and the role of international partnerships in supporting sustainable recovery.
- Panel 02: The Cost of Climate Change; Understanding Environmental Risks to Sri Lanka’s Economic Future.
As climate-related risks increasingly threaten growth, livelihoods, and infrastructure, this panel will explore the economic cost of inaction, and the opportunities embedded in climate adaptation, mitigation, and green finance.
- Panel 03: Unlocking Opportunity in Uncertainty; How SMEs Can Navigate Crises & Compete in a Changing Market.
Recognising the vital role of small and medium enterprises in employment and innovation, this session will address access to finance, digital transformation, resilience-building, and policy support needed to help SMEs thrive amid volatility.
- Panel 04: The Ripple Effect; Understanding How Global Economic Growth Influences Sri Lanka’s Development Path.
This panel will analyse how global growth trends, trade realignments, and geopolitical developments shape Sri Lanka’s economic prospects, highlighting strategies to enhance competitiveness and diversify markets.
- Panel 05: Recovery Through Collaboration; The Role of Public–Private Partnerships in Rebuilding Sri Lanka.
The final panel will focus on public–private partnerships as a catalyst for infrastructure development, service delivery, and innovation, showcasing models that can accelerate recovery while ensuring long-term value creation.
Together, these sessions aim to provide a holistic view of Sri Lanka’s rebuild, balancing immediate recovery priorities with long-term structural transformation.
Leadership Perspectives on Collaboration and Confidence
Commenting on the significance of the Forum, Sandun Hapugoda, President of AmCham Sri Lanka and Country Manager, Mastercard, Sri Lanka and Maldives, emphasised the Forum’s action-oriented approach. “The AmCham Sri Lanka CEO Forum is designed to move beyond conversation to collaboration. By bringing together business leaders, policymakers, and international partners, we aim to foster practical ideas that rebuild confidence, accelerate reform, and position Sri Lanka as a competitive and trusted destination for investment and growth.” From the perspective of international partnership, Jayne Howell, Chargé d’Affaires, U.S. Embassy in Sri Lanka, highlighted the Forum’s role in strengthening economic confidence and advancing shared interests. “The AmCham CEO Forum brings together business leaders in Sri Lanka at a critical moment to focus on reforms, resilience, and practical solutions that strengthen economic confidence.
For the United States, this forum is also about advancing U.S. economic interests, ensuring American companies can compete on a level playing field, supporting stability in key markets, and reinforcing high standards that benefit U.S. businesses and exports while contributing to long-term growth.”
Strong Private-Sector Commitment
The CEO Forum 2026 is Title Partnered by Hatton National Bank (HNB), reflecting strong private-sector commitment to Sri Lanka’s recovery and long-term economic resilience. Speaking on the partnership, Damitha Palewatte, Chief Executive Officer of Hatton National Bank, underscored the importance of collective leadership during periods of transition. “At HNB, we believe progress is built through partnership, trust, and forward-looking leadership. As Sri Lanka navigates its path to recovery and renewed growth, platforms that bring together business, policy, and global perspectives are vital. We are proud to partner the AmCham Sri Lanka CEO Forum 2026 to support meaningful dialogue, strengthen confidence, and help unlock sustainable opportunities for the nation’s future.”
Beyond Dialogue: Building Lasting Connections
In addition to thought leadership, the CEO Forum 2026 will offer exclusive networking opportunities designed to facilitate meaningful engagement among senior decision-makers. By creating space for direct interaction between business leaders, policymakers, and development partners, the Forum aims to catalyse partnerships that extend beyond the event itself. These connections are expected to play a crucial role in shaping investment decisions, policy advocacy, and collaborative initiatives that support Sri Lanka’s rebuild.
Advancing AmCham Sri Lanka’s Mission
Through the CEO Forum 2026, AmCham Sri Lanka continues its mission to strengthen U.S.–Sri Lanka commercial ties, advocate for a predictable and conducive business environment, and foster collaboration between the private sector, government, and international partners. As Sri Lanka looks ahead, the CEO Forum stands as a timely reminder that recovery is not solely a macroeconomic challenge, but a collective effort requiring leadership, trust, and shared purpose.
