The Northern Investment Summit 2026 (NIS 26) continued successfully on Day 2 with focused discussions on infrastructure development, renewable energy, plantation industries, and national economic priorities. The programme brought together senior government officials, regulatory authorities, industry experts, and private-sector leaders to promote sustainable investment and regional development in Northern Sri Lanka.
Opening Ceremony (08.45 – 09.30)
Day 2 commenced with the official Opening Ceremony, reaffirming the Government of Sri Lanka’s commitment to inclusive economic growth, regional development, and strategic investment facilitation in the Northern Province.
Infrastructure for Growth (09.30 – 10.10)
Theme: The Critical Role of Infrastructure for Pathway in Development
This session highlighted the importance of integrated transport, aviation, and logistics infrastructure in supporting national development goals and enhancing investor confidence.
Participating Institutions and Speakers:
Sri Lanka Ports Authority
Aviation Association of Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka Railway
Mr. T. Paskara, Chairman, Road Development Authority
Mr. Kandeban Balendran, Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Academics Group
Panel Discussion – Energy (10.10 – 10.35)
Theme: Northern Sri Lanka’s Strategic Advantage in Becoming a Regional Renewable Energy Hub
The panel discussion focused on renewable energy potential, regulatory frameworks, and investment opportunities positioning Northern Sri Lanka as a regional hub for sustainable energy.
Panel Participants:
Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority
Secretary, Ministry of Power and Energy
Travel and Accommodation
Dr. Herath, Energy Economist
Public Utility Commission
Prof. Arulampalam Atputharaja, Vice Chancellor, University of Vavuniya
Technical Presentation (10.35 – 11.05)
Topic: Leveraging Natural Resources in the Plantation Industry through Productivity Enhancement and Value Addition for Commercialisation
Mr. Srivijenthiran
General Manager (Acting),
Palmyrah Research Institute, Palmyrah Development
Continuation of Day 2 Programme
Further contributions were made by representatives from key state and private sector institutions involved in plantation development and agribusiness investment.
Mr. L. Shanjeevan
Regional Manager, Regional Office,
Kilinochchi, Sri Lanka Cashew Corporation
Mr. R. Raveenthiran
Chairman, Palmyrah Development Board
Mr. Rakesh Sharma
Assistant General Manager, Capital TRUST Holdings Limited
Ministerial and Special Addresses
11.05 – 11.10
Hon. Ramalingam Chandrasekar
Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources
11.10 – 11.15
Dr. Miss Srimathy Kesan
Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Space Kidz India
11.15 – 11.20
Professor Chrishantha Abeysena
Minister of Science and Technology
Rapporteur Summary (11.20)
The Day 2 proceedings concluded with a Rapporteur Summary presented by:
Ms. Nirosha Peiris
Partner (Corporate & Commercial Law),
Tiruchelvam Associate
The Northern Investment Summit 2026 serves as a key national platform for strengthening public–private partnerships, promoting regional investment opportunities, and advancing sustainable economic development in Sri Lanka’s Northern Province.
