A delegation of Sri Lankan companies participated in the Hotel Asia 2026 exhibition in the Maldives to expand trade opportunities across the regional hospitality sector. The initiative was organised by the Sri Lanka Export Development Board in partnership with the Sri Lanka–Maldives Business Council of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce.

Alongside the trade show, the Sri Lanka–Maldives Business Council arranged direct bilateral meetings with key Maldivian state bodies. The delegation met representatives from Malé City Council, Maldives Ports Limited, the Ministry of Economic Development, Trade and Transport, the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Ocean Resources and the Maldives Qualifications Authority. These discussions focused on upcoming requirements and future commercial collaboration.

The Sri Lanka Pavilion was officially opened by the High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to the Maldives, His Excellency M. R. Hassen. He was joined by Sanjeewa Perera, President of the Sri Lanka–Maldives Business Council, Hussain Nihadh, Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Sports, Fitness and Recreation, Thimuthu Dissanayake, Counsellor at the High Commission of Sri Lanka in the Maldives, Manori Kulasekara, Deputy Director of the Sri Lanka Export Development Board North Western Provincial Office and Sudesh Mendis, Immediate Past President of the Sri Lanka–Maldives Business Council.

Exhibiting companies represented a wide variety of sectors, including food and beverage, furniture, wellness, engineering, construction materials, technology and general hotel services. The exhibition allowed firms to present their products directly to buyers and gain market insights.

Mr. Sanjeewa Perera, President of the SLMLBC, 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.”