Sanjeewa Bandara, First Secretary (Commercial) of the Embassy of Sri Lanka in the Russian Federation, participated in the First Inter-Regional Entrepreneurs' Forum organized by the Vologda Regional Chapter of OPORA RUSSIA in collaboration with the Government of the Vologda Region. The forum brought together owners and managers from the manufacturing, business support services, import and export, and tourism sectors to discuss emerging trends, strategies, and challenges facing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the Russian Federation.

Addressing the forum, First Secretary highlighted the growing prospects for trade, investment, and tourism cooperation between Sri Lanka and the Vologda Region. He briefed the participants on the ongoing initiatives aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation following the visit of Ambassador Shobini Gunasekera to the Vologda Region in 2025. In particular, he highlighted the efforts to establish collaboration between the renowned traditional lace manufacturers of the Vologda Region and the lace industry of the Galle District in Sri Lanka, recognizing the shared heritage and craftsmanship of both regions.

In addition, he emphasized the untapped potential for expanding import and export trade between Sri Lanka and the Vologda Region across a range of sectors such as food and beverage, apparel, chemicals, timber and tourism. He encouraged the regional business community to explore business partnerships with Sri Lankan enterprises and extended an open invitation to participate in Sri Lanka Expo 2027, which will provide an ideal platform to identify new business opportunities, establish commercial partnerships, and strengthen economic ties between Sri Lanka and the Russian Federation.

OPORA RUSSIA serves as one of the leading national platforms for dialogue between owners and managers of small and medium-sized enterprises and representatives of federal executive authorities, regional and municipal governments, supervisory agencies, SME support institutions, and the expert community. The forum provided a valuable opportunity to engage directly with regional businesses and further promote Sri Lanka as a reliable trade and investment partner in the Russian market.

The event was attended by Alexey Vladimirovich Ozerov, Deputy Minister of Economic Development of the Vologda Region, Svetlana Yurievna Pakhnina, Deputy Mayor of the City of Vologda, representatives of the regional government, heads of enterprises, and representatives of small and medium-sized businesses.

Sri Lanka's luxury tourism was promoted at the International Luxury Travel Market (ILTM) Asia Pacific 2026, held from 29 June to 2 July 2026 at Marina Bay Sands, Singapore.

ILTM Asia Pacific brings together luxury travel advisors, tour operators, destinations, hotels and tourism organisations from around the world through a programme of pre-scheduled business appointments and networking opportunities.

A dedicated Sri Lanka pavilion showcased the country's diverse tourism experiences, including wildlife, wellness and Ayurveda, cultural heritage, luxury accommodation, adventure tourism, and bespoke travel experiences, positioning Sri Lanka as a premier destination for high-value travellers. During the four-day exhibition, the Sri Lankan delegation conducted a series of business meetings with international luxury travel buyers and industry professionals, generating business opportunities and strengthening partnerships with the global travel trade.

The Sri Lanka Pavilion was organised by the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau and headed by Mr Chinthaka Liyanaarachchi, Deputy Director (Marketing). featuring 15 participating companies: Aahaasa Collection – Aarunya Nature Resort, Aadya Tea Bungalows & Aavya Cove Villas; Abercrombie & Kent (Pvt) Ltd; Cuuraate; Sri Lanka Tailor-Made; Karusan Travels (Pvt) Ltd; Ceylon Roots Sri Lanka (LOLC Holdings PLC); Luxury Holidays Asia (Pvt) Ltd; Meshaun Journeys; Sri Lanka in Style; Siddhalepa Ayurveda Health Resort; Ishq Luxury Villas; Transco Travels; Travel Design by CDC (Pvt) Ltd; Hilton Yala Resort; and Resplendent Ceylon.

The High Commission of Sri Lanka in Singapore coordinated Sri Lanka's participation and the arrangements for the Sri Lanka Pavilion at ILTM Asia Pacific 2026. During the exhibition, High Commissioner Senarath Dissanayake accompanied by Ms. Bhagya Abeykoon, Minister Counsellor (Commercial), visited the Sri Lanka pavilion and met with the participating companies conveying appreciation for their exhibitors' efforts in promoting Sri Lanka’s tourism sector and encouraging them to leverage the Singapore market to forge new business partnerships and enhance Sri Lanka’s visibility as a premier luxury travel destination.