The Global Innovation & Leadership Summit, hosted by Zee Media and the WION International Media Network, took place last week at the Cinnamon Grand Colombo. This event gathered prominent leaders, policymakers, and business innovators from both Sri Lanka and India. The summit honored notable Indian business figures for their contributions to innovation and entrepreneurship, while emphasizing the significance of collaboration across borders.
Among the distinguished attendees were Mr. Hanif Yusof, the Governor of the Western Province; Prof. Ruwan Ranasinghe, Deputy Minister of Tourism; Mr. Chathuranga Abeysinghe, Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development; H.E. Santhosh Jha, the Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka; Mr. Sudhir Chaudhary, CEO of Zee Media; along with various esteemed guests and diplomats.
During the summit, themed “The Island Where India Feels at Home,” Prof. Ruwan Ranasinghe candidly discussed the largely unexplored potential of the Indian outbound travel market. He highlighted that, despite 32.7 million Indians traveling abroad in 2025, only a mere 31,000 chose Sri Lanka as their destination. He expressed concern, stating, “I feel something is wrong here, and I think there is something to be fixed, which will be our focus in the years to come.” He pointed out Sri Lanka’s geographical advantages as a natural starting point and emphasized that Indian tourists are vital for the sustainability of Sri Lanka’s tourism sector, contributing stability year-round.
Outlining his aspirations for enhanced bilateral relations, Prof. Ranasinghe asserted that India and Sri Lanka could collaborate to form a cohesive economic zone that would foster growth and shape the future of the Global South. He identified agriculture, marine industries, and the creative sector as areas ripe for development in the near future. He elaborated on Sri Lanka’s unique tourism offerings, which allow travelers to enjoy a blend of heritage, nature, wellness, and adventure—all in one trip. He also mentioned that India is the primary destination for Sri Lankans traveling abroad, especially for Buddhist pilgrimage, highlighting the deep-rooted cultural connections between the two countries.
Recognizing the evolving nature of global travel, Prof. Ranasinghe noted, “Global travel is evolving, and AI is adjusting to these changes and consumer preferences. We are seeing a transition from short trips to extended stays, with digital nomads opting to reside here for several months.” He expressed optimism about the outlook for Sri Lanka’s tourism sector while acknowledging the challenges posed by established destinations like Thailand and Bali. He reaffirmed that tourism remains a cornerstone of the Sri Lankan economy, with advantages extending across various sectors.
Deputy Minister Chathuranga Abeysinghe echoed these views, stressing the need for closer regional integration. He pointed out that agriculture, marine, and creative industries are likely to be the key drivers of growth in the coming years, and highlighted the potential for India and Sri Lanka to operate as “one economic zone,” which could significantly enhance the future prospects of the Global South.
The Global Innovation & Leadership Summit in Colombo not only celebrated the accomplishments of Indian entrepreneurs but also solidified Sri Lanka’s position as a center for regional cooperation, innovation, and leadership. The event represented a meaningful advancement in strengthening the bilateral relationship and promoting shared prosperity between the two nations.
