The Sri Lanka Business Council of the Maldives (SLBCM) was officially launched on November 12, 2024, at Hotel Jen Male’. The event was attended by Ministers, High Commissioners, the Ambassadors, prominent Sri Lankan and Maldivian business leaders, government officials, and dignitaries. This initiative, conceptualized and spearheaded by Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to the Maldives Ranga Goonawardena, marks a major step forward in fostering stronger economic collaboration and unlocking new opportunities between the two nations.

The Council is affiliated with the Sri Lanka High Commission in the Maldives, underscoring its role as a key facilitator in strengthening trade, investment, and business relationships between the two countries.

The Chief Guest was the Maldives Minister of Economic Development and Trade Mohamed Saeed commended the Council as a vital step in formalizing the synergy between the business communities of Sri Lanka and the Maldives. “This Council is a testament to the deep economic bonds our nations share, with bilateral trade already surpassing $160 million annually. This platform will play a critical role in generating employment, enhancing trade, and fostering innovation,” he stated.

High Commissioner Ranga Goonawardena expressed immense pride in realizing this key initiative, highlighting it as one of his priorities. “This Council was born out of an idea I personally envisioned, driven by the immense potential I saw in strengthening the economic ties between our two nations. It is more than a platform; it is a bridge to opportunities and a commitment to prosperity for both Sri Lanka and the Maldives,” he said.

The President of the Sri Lanka Business Council, Mr. Duminda Rathnadiwakara, emphasized the Council’s unique focus on fostering connections not only at the government level but also within the business communities of both nations. He outlined its mission to create practical pathways for collaboration, ensuring opportunities are accessible to all enterprises.

The Council comprises 14 Executive Committee members and has introduced a special membership category for Maldivian business leaders, with 25 honorary members inducted at the event. These memberships reflect the Council’s aim to build a collaborative network of professionals dedicated to enhancing bilateral business relations.

The establishment of the Sri Lanka Business Council of the Maldives comes at a strategic time as both nations seek to strengthen economic ties and foster mutual growth. The Council is expected to facilitate partnerships, support entrepreneurs, and attract new investments into both countries.

Seen here Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to the Maldives Ranga Goonawardena (right) handing over a momento to Maldives Minister of Economic Development and Trade Mohamed Saeed (left) at the launch of the Sri Lanka Business Council of the Maldives (SLBCM) in Male

Image Caption : Seen here Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to the Maldives Ranga Goonawardena (seated at the centre) along with the members of the Sri Lanka Business Council of the Maldives.