AKD woos Maldivians saying Sri Lanka is open for business

• At SL-Maldives Business Forum presents Sri Lanka as investor-friendly country with reforms and legal protections 
• Highlights Sri Lanka’s economic revival with projected 5% growth in 2025
• Cites political stability, two-thirds majority and national vision as confidence boosters
• Invites investment in fisheries, food processing, real estate, digital services and infrastructure
• Promotes ICT sector, citing skilled workforce and AI/IoT, machine learning adoption, regional tourism partnerships
• Points to shared opportunities in aquaculture, maritime logistics and Port City Colombo

President Anura Kumara Disanayake on Wednesday (30 July) addressed the Sri Lanka-Maldives Business Forum held at the JEN Maldives Malé hotel, urging Maldivian investors to explore the country’s growing economic opportunities across key sectors, including tourism, trade, and ICT.

The Forum, jointly organised by the Sri Lankan High Commission in the Maldives and the Sri Lanka-Maldives Business Council of The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, aimed to deepen economic ties between the two countries and position Sri Lanka as a compelling destination for Maldivian capital and expertise.

In his address, the President outlined Sri Lanka’s journey from economic crisis to recovery, assuring the business community that the country has entered a new era of political and economic stability. He noted that decisive reforms and strengthened international cooperation had helped bring inflation under control, build foreign reserves, and lay the groundwork for sustained growth, projected at 5% in 2025.

Disanayake also stressed the importance of political stability in driving investor confidence, pointing to the formation of a two-thirds majority Government in the 2024 Parliamentary Elections and the launch of the administration’s national vision: “A Thriving Nation – A Beautiful Life.” This, he said, reflects a clear commitment to good governance, anti-corruption, and the rule of law.

Presenting Sri Lanka as an increasingly investor-friendly environment, the President invited Maldivian entrepreneurs to explore opportunities in sectors such as food processing, fisheries, real estate, urban infrastructure, and digital services. He paid particular attention to the ICT sector, highlighting Sri Lanka’s skilled workforce and growing adoption of technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), Internet of Things  (IoT), and machine learning.

Tourism was a key focus, with the President acknowledging the Maldives’ global success in the sector. He emphasised the potential for regional tourism collaboration, noting Sri Lanka’s target of attracting 3 million visitors in 2025 and encouraging Maldivian investors to partner in developing hotel infrastructure.

Disanayake also highlighted opportunities for bilateral cooperation in fisheries, aquaculture, and agro-processing—areas where both nations share geographic and economic synergies. Long-term prospects in maritime logistics, luxury housing, and Colombo Port City were also outlined, with assurances that Sri Lanka is introducing legal reforms to protect investor rights and streamline processes.

The Colombo Port City project, he said, will evolve into a modern hub for finance, education, healthcare, and innovation, offering early investors access to a dynamic economic zone with regional and global relevance.

Calling the Maldives “not just a neighbour but Sri Lanka’s closest friend and trusted partner,” the President extended a personal invitation to Maldivian businesses to join Sri Lanka’s growth story.

The Forum also featured remarks by Maldivian Economic Development and Trade Minister Mohamed Saeed and Sri Lanka-Maldives Business Council Chairman Sudesh Mendis. A Q&A session followed, allowing direct engagement between the President, officials, and key Maldivian business leaders from sectors such as hospitality, construction, healthcare, maritime services, and food and beverage.

The event served as a timely platform to strengthen bilateral commercial ties and to reposition Sri Lanka as an attractive investment destination in the Indian Ocean region.