The Sri Lanka–Maldives Business Council (SLMLBC) of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) and the Sri Lanka High Commission in the Maldives, organised a Sri Lankan business delegation to participate in the prestigious Hotel Asia Exhibition and International Culinary Challenge 2025, held in Hulhumalé, Maldives.


The 19th edition of this internationally recognised event reaffirmed its reputation as the Maldives’ largest and most influential hospitality trade exhibition, bringing together leading chefs and emerging culinary talents from across the archipelago for a series of dynamic live competitions.

Since its inception in 2000, Hotel Asia has evolved into one of the region’s premier hospitality and trade showcases—expanding from just 42 stalls and 37 chefs to over 300 stalls and participants from 48 countries.

Taking centre stage at the event, Sri Lanka featured a vibrant national pavilion with over 48 Sri Lankan companies, organised by the Sri Lanka–Maldives Business Council (SLMLBC) in collaboration with the EDB. The pavilion highlighted Sri Lanka’s innovation and expertise across key sectors such as food, hospitality, wellness, and sustainable products.

Industry partnerships with Ocean Trade and Logistics and Aitken Spence, supporting logistics and travel services respectively, further strengthened the SLMLBC delegation’s participation.

During the mission, the Sri Lanka–Maldives Business Council held meetings with key ministries and business chambers in the Maldives. These discussions helped reinforce bilateral trade relations, enhance regional connectivity, and promote mutually beneficial economic growth between the two countries.