Prime Minister of Sri Lanka Dr Harini Amarasuriya has said there are significant investment opportunities in Sri Lanka for Maldivian businesses to strengthen bilateral trade.
Speaking at the Maldives–Sri Lanka Business Forum, Prime Minister Amarasuriya thanked the Maldivian government for organising the forum and noted strong participation from Sri Lankan and Maldivian businesses as a sign of close economic ties.
The Prime Minister highlighted that relations between the two countries are rooted in culture and shared Indian Ocean geography, with common concerns such as economic diversification, climate change, and sustainable development. She noted that Sri Lanka is recovering from significant economic challenges and working to rebuild a stronger, more stable economy.
Identifying major investment opportunities in Sri Lanka, the Prime Minister noted that tourism is the key economic sector for both Maldives and Sri Lanka, and said both countries can work together to strengthen the sector. She also spoke about opportunities in the fisheries and mariculture sector.
With bilateral trade between Sri Lanka and Maldives at USD 137 million last year, the Prime Minister said this shows scope for further expansion, with focus on renewable energy, and food-related industries in addition to fisheries.
She noted many Sri Lankans work in the Maldives and expressed readiness to share Sri Lanka’s experience in digital transformation as the Maldives undertakes digitalisation. She urged Maldivian businesses to expand operations in Sri Lanka. She thanked the Maldives for its support after Cyclone Ditwah, saying it reflects a relationship that goes beyond politics into genuine partnership.