Indian High Commissioner Santosh Jha Highlights Growing Trade, Investment, and Tourism Ties with Sri Lanka

COLOMBO (News 1st); Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Santosh Jha, underscored India’s growing role as Sri Lanka’s most trusted partner while addressing the celebration organised by the Sri Lanka India Society in Colombo.

High Commissioner Jha noted that India had, for the first time last year, emerged as the second-largest destination for Sri Lankan exports, reflecting the deepening trade relationship between the two countries. He described the investment partnership as “remarkable,” pointing out that more than 50 percent of foreign investment that flowed into Sri Lanka during the past year originated from Indian companies either directly or routed through third countries.

He also highlighted the significant growth in tourism, with record numbers of Indian visitors travelling to Sri Lanka, making India the single largest source of tourist arrivals.

Emphasising the steady expansion of economic and people-to-people ties, the High Commissioner said the strengthening partnership demonstrates the trust, resilience and mutual commitment shared by India and Sri Lanka.

The event was attended by diplomats, senior government officials and distinguished guests, reflecting the longstanding and evolving relationship between the two neighbouring nations.