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Over 100 investors, diplomats, business leaders, property professionals and other stakeholders gathered in London for the Sri Lanka Real Estate Investment Forum: London 2026, convened recently by the Research Intelligence Unit (RIUNIT) in collaboration with the Sri Lanka High Commission in London. Held under the theme “Unlocking Sri Lanka’s Real Estate Investment Potential in a Dynamic and Evolving Market,” and with the International Construction Consortium (ICC) stepping forward as the platinum sponsor, the forum brought together public and private-sector perspectives on the opportunities and challenges shaping Sri Lanka’s real estate sector, while providing a platform for international and diaspora investors to engage directly with industry and institutional representatives. The evening commenced with a welcome address by High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to the United Kingdom Nimal Senadheera setting the context for the forum and highlighting the importance of strengthening economic and investment engagement between Sri Lanka and the Sri Lankan diaspora and international business community in the UK. This was followed by a series of presentations offering perspectives from key institutional and industry stakeholders. The Sri Lanka High Commission in London provided an overview of its role in supporting trade and economic engagement between the two countries, while International Construction Consortium (ICC) presented its perspective on Sri Lanka’s real estate and development landscape. RIU Property Network subsequently outlined the opportunities emerging within Sri Lanka’s property market and the importance of connecting investors with credible real estate opportunities. The substantive program was then set in motion by RIUNIT Founder and CEO Roshan Madawela, whose presentation explored how Sri Lanka could potentially unlock its real estate sector in a manner similar to the development of its tourism industry, creating a more sustainable platform for attracting domestic and international investment. He also placed particular emphasis on the potential of Colombo Port City and the role that large-scale, integrated urban development could play in strengthening Sri Lanka’s investment proposition, enhancing liveability and creating new opportunities across the real estate ecosystem. The central panel discussion, “Sri Lanka Real Estate Market Discussion: Trends, Opportunities and Outlook,” brought together three perspectives from industry and government: International Construction Consortium (ICC) Managing Director/CEO Namal Pieris; Sri Lanka High Commission – London Head of Trade Premathilake Jayakody, and Roshan Madawela. The discussion was moderated by RIUNIT Associate Director William Rezel. The panel considered the current state of Sri Lanka’s real estate market and the conditions facing both local and international developers and investors. Against a backdrop of changing global economic and geopolitical conditions, the discussion explored the factors influencing investor sentiment, market demand and the prospects for continued real estate development. The role of Colombo Port City featured prominently in the conversation, with the panel considering how large-scale, integrated urban developments could contribute to Sri Lanka’s investment proposition and create new opportunities across residential, commercial and related sectors. A further theme emerging from the discussion was the relationship between international trade and real estate investment. With the United Kingdom representing an important economic and diaspora connection for Sri Lanka, the panel explored how stronger trade and commercial relationships could create wider channels for investment into the country. The discussion also considered the role of Sri Lanka’s diplomatic and trade representation in facilitating business engagement and encouraging greater participation from international and diaspora investors. Audience questions reflected a strong interest in the practical considerations surrounding investment into Sri Lankan property. These included the legal and regulatory framework governing property ownership by foreign nationals and dual citizens, the ability of non-Sri Lankan investors to acquire property, and the mechanisms available for transferring and repatriating funds between Sri Lanka and the United Kingdom. The discussion highlighted the importance of clear regulatory frameworks, accessible information and greater investor understanding in facilitating cross-border participation in Sri Lanka’s real estate market. The successful conclusion of the London forum represents another step in RIUNIT’s broader programme of research-led investor engagement, bringing together market intelligence, industry expertise and international networks to encourage informed dialogue around Sri Lanka’s emerging investment opportunities with the hope of establishing Sri Lanka firmly on the global real estate investor radar. The event was supported by International Construction Consortium (ICC) as the Main Sponsor, with Home Lands and Cinnamon Air serving as Event Partners.
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