Sri Lankan companies take hospitality products and services to Maldives

The inauguration of Sri Lanka Pavilion by High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to the Maldives, M. R. Hassen (centre left), in the presence of the Sports, Fitness and Recreation Deputy Minister and representatives of the High Commission, SLMLBC and Sri Lanka Export Development Board

Sri Lankan exhibitors with the High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to the Maldives, representatives of the High Commission, SLMLBC, and Sri Lanka Export Development Board in front of the Sri Lanka Pavilion at Hotel Asia 2026 in the Maldives

Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB), in collaboration with the Sri Lanka–Maldives Business Council (SLMLBC) of The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, facilitated the participation of Sri Lankan companies at Hotel Asia 2026 in the Maldives. The initiative created opportunities for Sri Lankan businesses to connect with buyers and potential partners, as well as engage with Government representatives in one of the region’s key tourism markets.

The participating companies represented a broad cross-section of Sri Lanka’s hospitality supply chain, including food and beverage, hotel supplies, furniture, engineering, wellness, construction materials, technology and other services. Their participation provided an opportunity to showcase Sri Lankan products and capabilities to Maldivian businesses and other industry stakeholders, while exploring opportunities in a market closely linked to Sri Lanka’s tourism and hospitality sectors. 

The Sri Lanka Pavilion was officially opened by High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to the Maldives, M. R. Hassen in the presence of SLMLBC President Sanjeewa Perera, Sports, Fitness and Recreation Deputy Minister Hussain Nihadh, High Commission of Sri Lanka in the Maldives Counsellor Thimuthu Dissanayake, EDB Deputy Director - North Western Provincial Office Manori Kulasekara and SLMLBC Immediate Past President Sudesh Mendis. The exhibition also provided a platform for Sri Lankan companies to engage directly with prospective buyers and business partners, while gaining a deeper understanding of market demand and emerging opportunities in the Maldives. 

In addition to the exhibition, the SLMLBC arranged a series of meetings between the Sri Lankan business delegation and representatives of key Maldivian ministries, State institutions and public-sector organisations. These included the Economic Development, Trade and Transport Ministry; Tourism and Civil Aviation Ministry; Maldives Ports Ltd; Agriculture, Fisheries and Ocean Resources Ministry; the Maldives Qualifications Authority; and Malé City Council.

The discussions focused on potential areas of commercial cooperation and enabled participating companies to gain insights into upcoming requirements, market conditions and areas where Sri Lankan expertise and products could contribute to the Maldivian economy.

SLMLBC President Sanjeewa Perera said the participation of Sri Lankan companies demonstrated the breadth of products and services that Sri Lanka can offer the Maldivian market. He noted that the Council’s objective was to extend the engagement beyond an exhibition presence by creating direct connections between businesses and identifying opportunities for sustained commercial cooperation.

Participation in Hotel Asia 2026 forms part of the SLMLBC’s continuing efforts to expand Sri Lanka–Maldives trade and connect Sri Lankan businesses with opportunities in the Maldivian market, particularly across the tourism, hospitality and related sectors.