The High Commission of India in Colombo today organised a roundtable titled “Rupee to Rupee: Strengthening the India-Sri Lanka Commercial Corridor”, bringing together policymakers, regulators, bankers and business leaders from both countries. The event was attended by Indian High Commissioner Santosh Jha, Central Bank of Sri Lanka Governor Dr Nandalal Weerasinghe, senior government and Treasury officials, and representatives of leading banks and businesses.

High Commissioner Jha highlighted the strong bilateral trade relationship and urged stakeholders to expand trade settlement in local currencies. Governor Weerasinghe outlined factors that have strengthened economic ties between the two countries and recalled India’s assistance during Sri Lanka’s economic crisis. Discussions focused on INR-LKR trade settlement and recent policy measures allowing authorised dealer banks in Sri Lanka to disburse INR-denominated loans. Industry experts, banking representatives and Treasury officials shared their experiences and views on increasing the use of local currencies in bilateral trade.