Message from the President

It is with great pleasure that I address you as the President of the Sri Lanka–Maldives Business Council of The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce. Our recent Annual General Meeting and the Maldives Business Forum marked a significant milestone in strengthening the economic and diplomatic ties between Sri Lanka and the Maldives.

Sri Lanka is currently on a strong path of post-crisis recovery, with the economy projected to grow by approximately 5% in 2025. This progress is supported by strengthened foreign reserves, controlled inflation, and enhanced political stability following the 2024 parliamentary elections. These positive developments reinforce confidence in Sri Lanka as a resilient and emerging investment destination.
We continue to see strong potential across key sectors such as tourism, fisheries, ICT, real estate, and logistics. At the same time, ongoing legal and regulatory reforms are aimed at improving investor protection and streamlining approval processes, making Sri Lanka increasingly attractive for foreign direct investment.
In addition, we believe there is significant opportunity to deepen regional cooperation between Sri Lanka and the Maldives. Strengthening trade relations through a formal bilateral agreement and improving connectivity—such as introducing a ferry service between Colombo and Kulhudhuffushi will further enhance economic integration and mutual growth.
The Sri Lanka–Maldives partnership remains one of friendship, trust, and shared prosperity. As Council President, I remain committed to advancing this relationship by fostering greater investor engagement, strengthening trade frameworks, and positioning Sri Lanka as a premier investment hub in South Asia.
Sanjeewa Perera
President
Sri Lanka–Maldives Business Council

ABOUT SLMLBC

The Sri Lanka – Maldives Bilateral Business Council, the 19th Bilateral Business Council under the aegis of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce was launched on 25th May, 2007. The need to establish the Sri Lanka – Maldives Bilateral Business Council originated following a recommendation made at the Sri Lanka – Maldives Joint Commission held in 2006. The prime objectives of the Council are promotion of trade/ investment, services, tourism and joint ventures between Sri Lanka and the Republic of Maldives.

Objectives

  • To promote trade in goods, tourism and other services between Sri Lanka and The Maldives.
  • To promote investment from the Maldives to Sri Lanka and encourage the establishment of joint ventures in Sri Lanka with investors from The Maldives.
  • To exchange information on trade and investment with the appropriate authorities and institutions in The Maldives.
  • To recommend to the Standing Committee ‘A’ (STC ‘A’) of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce proposals to be made to the Governments of Sri Lanka and or The Maldives to promote bi-lateral trade and investment.
  • To serve as a recognized representative of business sector interests in Sri Lanka in matters concerning business relationships with France
  • To conduct joint meetings with the Maldivian business organisations in Sri Lanka and in the Maldives
  • To attend to any matters that would be incidental or conducive to attaining the above objects.

The launch of the Council took place during the visit of Hon. Mohamed Jaleel, Minister of Economic Development and Trade of Maldives.


OBJECTIVE

The main objective of the Business Council shall be To promote trade in goods, tourism and other services as well as promote investment from the Maldives to Sri Lanka and encourage the establishment of joint ventures in Sri Lanka with investors from The Maldives.

FUNCTIONS

The functions of the Business Council shall be to do all such things as may be necessary to achieve the objective of the Committee, including the following-
  1. promote trade in goods, tourism and other services
  2. promote investment from the Maldives to Sri Lanka and encourage the establishment of joint ventures
  3. exchange information on trade and investment with the appropriate authorities
  4. conduct joint meetings with the Maldivian business organisations in Sri Lanka and in the Maldives

 THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

The management and administration of the affairs of the Business Council shall be vested in the Executive Committee which shall comprise office bearers and a Committee, each of whom shall be elected to the Executive Committee in compliance with the provisions herein contained. COMMITTEE

MEMBERSHIP

Any entity that is eligible to be admitted as an Ordinary or Associate member may make an application therefor in the format in the Schedule 1 hereto, to the Executive Committee and shall, upon a decision of the Executive Committee that all criteria for admission are satisfied and that the entrance fee and the applicable subscription has been paid, be admitted as an Ordinary member or Associate member of the Business Council, as the case may be. For membership inquires contact – Ayoni ( 0115588856/0115588800 or email [email protected]) MEMBERSHIP
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