The World Economic Forum (WEF), renowned for convening global leaders to address pressing economic, social, and environmental issues, has maintained a longstanding relationship with Sri Lanka. This partnership has evolved from participation in annual meetings to collaborative initiatives on development, competitiveness, and sustainability. In 2026, Sri Lanka’s involvement is highlighted by the government’s attendance at the 56th Annual Meeting in Davos-Klosters, Switzerland, from January 19 to 23. The delegation departed on January 19, 2026, to engage in high-level discussions under the theme “A Spirit of Dialogue,” focusing on fostering inclusive conversations amid geopolitical shifts, technological advancements, and societal changes.
This article explores Sri Lanka’s historical and current ties with the WEF, key contributions, and the implications for the nation’s economy and global standing. Drawing from official WEF resources and Sri Lankan government announcements, it underscores how such engagements can drive policy reforms, attract investments, and position Sri Lanka in international discourse.
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Historical Context: Sri Lanka’s Journey with the World Economic Forum
Sri Lanka’s association with the WEF dates back to the early 2000s, aligning with the forum’s emphasis on emerging economies. The WEF’s Global Competitiveness Report has been a benchmark for assessing the island’s economic health. For instance, in the 2017-2018 edition, Sri Lanka ranked 85th out of 137 countries, with strengths in health, education, and market size but challenges in institutions, infrastructure, and innovation. This ranking provided insights for policy adjustments, influencing reforms in labor markets and business environments.
Over the years, Sri Lankan representatives have used Davos as a platform to showcase national visions. In 2018, discussions outlined strategies aiming to transform Sri Lanka into a more prosperous economy by leveraging trade agreements, foreign direct investment (FDI), and regional integration with ASEAN and India. The approach focused on diversifying exports, enhancing skills, and strengthening intellectual property regimes to attract technology and innovation.
More recently, during the 2023 economic challenges, engagements with WEF leadership addressed debt relief, climate action, and bilateral ties, emphasizing Sri Lanka’s resilience. These interactions have helped secure international support, including multilateral-backed reforms, and positioned Sri Lanka in discussions on middle-income country issues.
The WEF’s Strategic Intelligence platform further integrates Sri Lanka into global analyses, providing data on economic complexity and transformation maps to guide policy. This tool, using Observatory of Economic Complexity data from 2022, highlights sectors like apparel, tea, and gems where Sri Lanka can enhance competitiveness.
Current Engagement: Balancing Dialogue with Global Priorities
The 2026 delegation’s participation marks a continuation of this engagement. It offers a platform for bilateral meetings with international leaders, heads of global institutions, and dignitaries. The agenda aligns with the forum’s theme, “A Spirit of Dialogue,” which emphasizes openness amid fragmentation, technological acceleration, and societal evolution.
On the sidelines, discussions with counterparts, including potential talks on strengthening ties with the EU, focus on economic recovery, education reform, and collaboration. This comes at a pivotal time for Sri Lanka, post-2022 crisis, with growth projected at 3.5% for 2026 by the World Bank, driven by tourism, remittances, and exports.
The participation provides a platform to advocate for Sri Lanka’s priorities, such as debt sustainability, climate resilience, and digital transformation. It also facilitates networking with CEOs and innovators, potentially unlocking FDI in sectors like renewable energy and IT.
Key Contributions and Collaborations: WEF’s Impact on Sri Lanka
The WEF has influenced Sri Lanka through reports and initiatives. The Global Risks Report often includes insights relevant to the island, such as climate vulnerabilities, Sri Lanka ranks high in exposure to extreme weather. In response, the government has pursued green growth strategies, aligning with standards on nature-positive economies.
Collaborations extend to education and skills: The WEF’s Future of Jobs Report highlights reskilling needs, informing Sri Lanka’s vocational training reforms. During economic challenges, WEF discussions aided in governance improvements, as noted in analyses of policy and spending issues.
Sri Lanka’s delegation has contributed to regional dialogues, advocating for South Asian integration and equitable global trade.
Economic and Business Implications: Opportunities for Sri Lanka
WEF engagements yield tangible benefits. For businesses, Davos provides access to global networks, fostering partnerships in tech, finance, and sustainability. Sri Lankan firms in apparel and IT can leverage discussions on supply chain resilience and AI ethics to attract collaborators.
Economically, these forums enhance investor confidence. Post-crisis, Sri Lanka’s improved rankings in ease of doing business reflect reforms influenced by WEF benchmarks. FDI inflows, projected to rise in 2026, could accelerate through deals sealed at such events.
Tourism and exports also gain: Promoting Sri Lanka’s biodiversity and cultural heritage aligns with WEF’s sustainable development goals, attracting eco-conscious investors.
Challenges and Future Outlook: Strengthening Ties
Despite progress, challenges persist: Sri Lanka’s competitiveness rankings indicate gaps in innovation and infrastructure. WEF dialogues can address these, advocating for multilateral support.
Looking ahead, sustained engagement through regional WEF events or digital platforms ensures Sri Lanka’s voice in global agendas. As the 2026 meeting unfolds, outcomes could shape policies on climate finance and digital equity, benefiting the nation’s recovery.
In summary, the WEF-Sri Lanka relationship embodies collaborative spirit, driving reforms and opportunities. Participation in Davos 2026 reinforces this, positioning Sri Lanka as an active player in solving global challenges while advancing national goals.
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