Colombo, February 20, 2025 – The inaugural Innovation Island Summit commenced today at ITC Ratnadipa, bringing together global thought leaders, policymakers, and innovators to discuss Sri Lanka’s role in the evolving technological and economic landscape. The summit, organized by the Observer Research Foundation (ORF) and the Capital Maharaja Group, saw participation from over 200 delegates representing 45 countries.
Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, H.E. Santosh Jha, delivered a compelling address, underscoring Sri Lanka’s potential for transformation in the wake of recent economic and political shifts.
A Nation on the Verge of Transformation
In his remarks, High Commissioner Jha emphasized that Sri Lanka stands at a pivotal moment of change. He noted that the recent elections reflected the people’s aspirations for transformation, following the economic challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent financial crises.
“The need for transformation has been a long-standing aspiration for many Sri Lankans, and the time is now ripe for change,” he stated.
Blue, Green, and Chrome: Key Themes for Progress
Highlighting the summit’s three key themes—Blue, Green, and Chrome—Jha explained their relevance to Sri Lanka’s development trajectory:
- Blue Economy: As an island nation, Sri Lanka has immense potential in ocean-based industries, including maritime trade and sustainable fisheries.
- Green Energy: With rising concerns over climate change, Sri Lanka’s rich renewable energy resources, particularly in solar and wind power, can position the country as a leader in green energy.
- Chrome (Digitization): The digital revolution offers emerging economies like Sri Lanka an opportunity to overcome inefficiencies and integrate into the global technological landscape.
“These themes align perfectly with Sri Lanka’s quest for economic resilience and global competitiveness,” Jha remarked.
Global Connectivity and India’s Role
The High Commissioner underscored the necessity of global engagement, stating that Sri Lanka cannot afford to remain isolated in an increasingly interconnected world. He stressed the importance of foreign investments, technological exchanges, and international collaboration in driving sustainable growth.
“As far as India is concerned, our engagement with Sri Lanka is built on the principles of Neighborhood First and SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region). Our relationship is based on solidarity, mutual support, and a shared future,” he affirmed.
Jha highlighted key areas of India-Sri Lanka cooperation, including energy, connectivity, digitization, healthcare, education, infrastructure, and security. He referenced Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of strengthening bilateral ties through these critical sectors.
“Our partnership is not a choice but a necessity. Our histories are intertwined, and so is our future,” he added.
Innovation Island Summit: A New Platform for Collaboration
The High Commissioner expressed his appreciation for the ORF and Capital Maharaja Group for selecting Colombo as the venue for the first Innovation Island Summit. He expressed hope that the summit would become an annual tradition, fostering meaningful discussions on Sri Lanka’s role in the global economy and technology-driven progress.
“As we navigate new global trends, forums like this will help build a better understanding of Sri Lanka’s opportunities and challenges. I look forward to seeing this platform grow in the coming years,” he concluded.
The summit will continue over the next two days, featuring keynote addresses from Sri Lankan President H.E. Anura Kumara Dissanayake, Prime Minister, and Foreign Minister, along with global experts, policymakers, and business leaders.
About the Innovation Island Summit
The Innovation Island Summit is a global forum that brings together thought leaders to explore technology-driven economic transformation, with a special focus on Sri Lanka’s role in emerging industries. The event fosters cross-border collaboration in areas such as digital transformation, sustainable energy, and economic modernization.
