Nepalese billionaire Dr. Binod Chaudhary has once again placed Sri Lanka at the centre of his South Asian investment strategy, signalling renewed confidence in the island nation’s economic rebound despite years of political and financial turbulence. The Forbes-listed businessman, whose CG Corp Global spans hospitality, banking, telecom, energy and manufacturing across more than 30 countries, recently delivered one of his strongest endorsements yet of Sri Lanka’s long-term potential.
Speaking at a leadership forum organised by the Sri Lanka Institute of Directors, Chaudhary described Sri Lanka as a country he deeply admires, praising its entrepreneurial culture, resilience and strategic advantages. He remarked that if he were to live outside Nepal, Sri Lanka would be his preferred destination, underlining the emotional and commercial connection he has built with the country over nearly four decades.
Chaudhary’s relationship with Sri Lanka dates back to the late 1980s when he invested in the iconic Taj Samudra hotel during the height of the civil conflict. At a time when most foreign investors avoided the island due to security concerns, the Nepalese tycoon saw long-term value in Sri Lanka’s tourism and hospitality sectors. He later expanded his footprint during the 2008 global financial crisis and again during Sri Lanka’s severe economic collapse in 2022 and 2023, acquiring strategic stakes including investments linked to Union Bank.
The billionaire’s investment philosophy appears rooted in counter-cyclical expansion entering markets during periods of uncertainty when asset values are depressed and investor confidence is weak. Analysts note that Chaudhary’s repeated investments during Sri Lanka’s darkest economic moments demonstrate both high-risk appetite and strong belief in the country’s eventual recovery.
Beyond hospitality and banking, CG Corp Global has increasingly shown interest in Sri Lanka’s evolving mobility and energy sectors. One of the most closely watched developments is the conglomerate’s emerging involvement in the electric vehicle industry through collaborations connected to Sri Lankan corporate giant John Keells Holdings. Market observers believe these initiatives could align Sri Lanka with the region’s accelerating transition toward sustainable transport and green energy solutions.
Industry insiders say Sri Lanka’s location, educated workforce and growing consumer market make it attractive for future EV assembly, distribution and charging infrastructure projects. While details remain limited, Chaudhary’s interest in the sector signals confidence that Sri Lanka can position itself as a regional hub for emerging technologies and environmentally driven industries.
During his forum address, Chaudhary also urged Sri Lanka’s Government to become more aggressive and flexible in promoting private sector-led growth. He argued that modern economic realities demand agile policymaking capable of adapting quickly to global political and commercial shifts. According to him, Sri Lanka cannot afford prolonged hesitation if it hopes to regain competitiveness and attract large-scale foreign investment.
His comments followed discussions with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake regarding potential business expansion opportunities. Chaudhary said he left the meeting encouraged by the administration’s apparent willingness to support investment and economic reform.
For Sri Lanka, Chaudhary’s continuing commitment carries significance beyond individual projects. At a time when the country is attempting to rebuild investor confidence after its worst post-independence economic crisis, the sustained backing of one of South Asia’s most influential billionaires sends a powerful signal to international markets.
By a Special Correspondent