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Strengthening German–Sri Lankan Partnerships: Insights from the Market Entry Program (MEP) 2025

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In September, AHK Sri Lanka welcomed six German companies to explore business opportunities in Sri Lanka’s tourism sector under the Market Entry Program (MEP) of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy. The week-long program featured high-level briefings, a tourism conference, B2B meetings, regional exchanges, and cultural experiences, all aimed at fostering long-term partnerships between German businesses and Sri Lankan stakeholders

Kandy Workshop
Country Briefing 

As part of the Business Initiation Trip under the Market Entry Program (MEP) of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE), the Delegation of German Industry and Commerce in Sri Lanka (AHK Sri Lanka) welcomed six German companies and entrepreneurs to explore business opportunities in the tourism sector and related fields in Sri Lanka. 

 

Participants included: 

  • AquaRockBag – Mr. Gowrinath Kalirajah 
  • Dr. Riedel Suvarivi GmbH – Dr. Irene Riedel 
  • mascontour GmbH – Ms. Maeve O’Brien 
  • Ms. Mareike Brandt (Sole Proprietor) 
  • SUNSET Energietechnik GmbH – Dr. Olaf Fleck 

 

The program commenced with a Country Briefing, where the delegates were welcomed by Mr. Martin Klose, Chief Delegate of AHK Sri Lanka. Participants received first-hand insights into Sri Lanka’s political, economic, legal, and investment environment. 

 

AHK Sri Lanka extends their gratitude to the contributors: 

  • Mrs. Sarah Hasselbarth, Deputy Ambassador, Embassy of Germany 
  • Ms. Priyanka Samaraweera, Executive Director – Investment Promotion & Research, Board of Investment of Sri Lanka (BOI) 
  • Mr. Florian Wenke, Director India, Sri Lanka & Maldives, Germany Trade & Invest (GTAI) 
  • Ms. Nipuni Semarasekara, Partner, Sudath Perera Associates 

 

The evening concluded with an Ayurveda-inspired networking dinner at Hotel ANARVA Mt. Lavinia, generously hosted by Siddhalepa Ayurveda

 

Sri Lankan Culinary Experience 

Sri Lankan Cuisine and Tourism Networking 

To give the delegates of the business initiation trip of the Market Entry Program (MEP) by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE) a true Sri Lankan experience, and with the support of the Sri Lanka Convention Bureau (SLCB), AHK Sri Lanka organized a Sri Lankan Culinary Experience. AHK Sri Lanka sincerely thanks the SLCB for hosting the event, as well as the staff at the Training Restaurant of the Sri Lanka Institute of Tourism & Hotel Management, for treating the delegation to delicious dishes such as biriyani, kotthu, hoppers, and more. 

 

In addition, a Networking Cocktail with members of the AHK Sri Lanka Tourism Sector Committee and the Sri Lanka-Germany Business Council (SLGBC) at Sofia Colombo City Hotel offered the delegates the opportunity to connect with the German business community in Sri Lanka. 

 

B2B-meetings 

From discussions to partnerships: 40+ B2B meetings in Sri Lanka 

AHK Sri Lanka facilitated more than 40 B2B meetings between our German delegates and Sri Lankan stakeholders from the corporate, institutional, and public sectors in the context of the Market Entry Program (MEP) by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE). 

 

A big thank you to all the Sri Lankan partners who made time for these discussions. AHK Sri Lanka believes the meetings sparked fruitful conversations and opened doors for future collaborations. 

 

The Delegation of German Industry and Commerce in Sri Lanka (AHK Sri Lanka) remains committed to fostering leads and strengthening German–Sri Lankan partnerships in tourism and beyond.

 

Kandy Program 

Expanding German–Sri Lankan Business Ties to the Central Province 

As part of the Market Entry Program (MEP) by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE), the Delegation of German Industry and Commerce in Sri Lanka (AHK Sri Lanka) proudly extended its program activities to the Central Province

 

With the strong support of the Regional Economic Development Agency of the Central Provincial Council (REDA), AHK Sri Lanka organized a workshop and business speed-dating event at Amaya Hills on 12 September

 

The half-day program brought together the six delegates from Germany with around 15 representatives from the Central Province to explore opportunities for tourism development and to strengthen Sri Lankan–German business partnerships. The B2B speed-dating sessions provided valuable opportunities for direct exchange and networking. 

 

The delegation concluded with a visit to the Hon. Central Province Governor, Prof. Sarath Abeyakoon, who expressed strong interest in the delegates’ business ideas and in fostering German investment opportunities in the province. 

 

AHK Sri Lanka wishes to extend their sincere thanks to all participants and look forward to continuing its initiatives not only in the Central Province but also across Sri Lanka. 

 

Site Visit Cinnamon Life 

Cinnamon Life – City of Dreams: A New Landmark in Colombo 

As part of the Market Entry Program (MEP) delegation supported by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE), some of the delegates had the unique opportunity to gain a first-hand look at the impressive hotel rooms and MICE venue facilities at Cinnamon Life – City of Dreams

 

A heartfelt thank you to Cinnamon Life – City of Dreams for welcoming the delegation and offering this valuable insight. 

 

AHK Sri Lanka is part of the global German Chamber Network, supported by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK). With over 150 locations in 93 countries, the AHKs support German and local companies with their international business development, offering expertise, connections, and tailored services. As an essential partner of the Chambers of Commerce and Industry (IHKs) in Germany, AHKs operate in countries of strategic importance to German enterprises worldwide.

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