A stakeholder meeting was convened by the Department of Commerce on 21st May, 2026, as a follow-up to the meeting held between Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe, Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security, and Cooperative Development, and Ceylon National Chamber of Industries to discuss the matters pertaining to trade between Sri Lanka and the Maldives.

The meeting was jointly chaired by Ms. Gilma Dahanayake, Additional Secretary (Trade & Research) of the Ministry of Trade, Commerce, Food Security, and Cooperative Development, and Mr. Somasena Mahadiulwewa, Director General of Commerce (Actg.).

Key line ministries and agencies such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development, Sri Lanka Export Development Board, Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka, Sri Lankan Airlines, and Ceylon Shipping Corporation attended the meeting. Representing the private sector, leading Chambers in Sri Lanka, including Ceylon National Chamber of Industries, Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, National Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka, Chamber of Young Lankan Entrepreneurs, Member companies of Sri Lanka – Maldives Business Council, Ceylon Association of Shipping agents, also participated in the meeting.
During the discussions, the Director General of Commerce briefed on the objective of the meeting and the background of the initiative of the meeting, considering the importance of the Maldivian market. The Additional Secretary emphasized the importance of initiative, such as a stakeholder meeting with significant participation, and requested to share the issues and difficulties faced by companies that are engaged in businesses with the Maldives.

The discussion was moderated by Mr. Charitha Yattogoda, Director of Commerce and Head of Trade Promotion of the Department, and mainly highlighted trade-related issues faced by companies in expanding bilateral trade with the Maldives, particularly the high cost of shipping and air freight, which will directly impact the competitiveness of Sri Lankan exports. The discussion facilitated the discussion of multisectoral issues related to understanding the importance of existing and new economic opportunities in the Maldives, including the sectors such as education, medical tourism, investment, and Government-to-Government engagements.

The participants also held interactive discussions on their views on possible solutions and continued the dialogue under specific sectors.

The Department of Commerce participated in the “COMBANK TRADELINK – A Gateway to Opportunity” program organized by Commercial Bank at Jetwing Lighthouse, Galle, bringing together cinnamon and spice exporters from Sri Lanka’s Southern Province.

Representatives of the Department, Mr. Kasun Balasooriya, Assistant Director of Commerce, and Mr. Ajantha Geeganage, Commercial Research Officer, conducted an informative session on export facilitation, market access opportunities, and the range of services available to support Sri Lankan exporters in expanding their presence in international markets. The session also provided valuable insights into current trade trends, export procedures, and strategies for enhancing export competitiveness.

The program included presentations by Commercial Bank on innovative digital trade solutions and by SLECIC on trade risk management, and interactive networking sessions gave exporters a chance to connect directly with trade and industry experts.

The Department of Commerce remains committed to supporting Sri Lankan exporters by providing guidance, market intelligence, and trade facilitation services that contribute to the growth and diversification of the country’s export sector.