JICA, the World Bank and the Presidential Secretariat Co-Host Seminar on Competition Policy and Law

On 27th February 2026, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), together with the Presidential Secretariat of Sri Lanka and the World Bank, convened a “Seminar on Competition Policy and Law in Colombo.” The event brought together more than 70 government policymakers and regulators, private sector leaders, development partners, think tanks and Sri Lankan and international experts to discuss how stronger competition frameworks can support Sri Lanka’s ongoing economic reforms and long-term growth.

Moderated by Mr. Harsha Fernando, President’s Counsel, the event was conducted in the form of a panel discussion with six eminent panelists, reflecting the different dimensions of competition policy and law, such as the necessity and impact of fair competition for export growth, the prevention from monopoly, consumer protection, and enhancing effects on business innovation, consumer choice and digital transformation.

With the presence of Mr. Hiroo Iwanari, the Secretary General of the Japan Fair Trade Commission (JFTC) and other colleagues of JFTC as panelists, the seminar provided a valuable opportunity to learn from Japan’s experience, such as the evolution of Japan’s competition policy and law, its strict enforcement, and JFTC’s role in Japan’s electricity market liberalization

Mr. Russell Aponsu, Senior Additional Secretary to the President, in his keynote address, emphasized that the Government is committed to enabling a competitive climate, which would be particularly beneficial for small and medium enterprises. He elaborated that measures such as e-procurement platform, tariff reforms and the National Single Window are already in progress and expected to significantly improve the business climate.

In his remarks, Mr. Kenji Kuronuma, Chief Representative of JICA Sri Lanka Office highlighted that competition policy is a key pillar for Sri Lanka’s economic recovery and long-term resilience. He emphasized that enhanced competition will strengthen domestic industries’ ability to compete globally and will help the country grow the entire economic pie for the greater benefit of all Sri Lankans, rather than dividing a small pie for each party’s interest.

The event was concluded by collectively highlighting that Sri Lanka’s path toward a modern competition framework requires not only enactment of comprehensive legislation but also formulation of a coherent competition policy, identification of the enforcement mechanism, closer cooperation and coordination between stakeholders, enhanced enforcement capacity and private sector and civil society engagement.