A strong interest is visible from Canadian companies and investors, many of which belong to Sri Lankan groups, to expand trade and investment, Isabelle Martin, High Commissioner of Canada to Sri Lanka and the Maldives told the Canada Day celebrations held on Wednesday in Colombo.
She said this was on the score during her visit to Canada last month, during which she met committed individuals working on the trade nexus and people-to-people ties.
The Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Sri Lanka (CanCham Sri Lanka) plays a key role in promoting trade, investment and economic cooperation between the two countries. The chamber’s efforts help connect Canada-Sri Lanka business communities and create new opportunities for growth.
Martin said Canada’s relationships with Sri Lanka and the Maldives were strong and diverse and include education, development and cooperation, trade and close people-to-people ties. She said, “After Cyclone Ditwah, the resilience of the Sri Lankan people was inspiring.
Canada was proud to support emergency response efforts and remains committed to recovery and rebuilding. We are living in a time of global change in which Canada promises to continue working with partners who value cooperation, openness and respect for sovereignty. The Indo-Pacific region is increasingly important as dynamic economies offer great opportunities. In this context, the role of CanCham Sri Lanka is more important than ever. By promoting dialogue, encouraging investment and strengthening public and private connections, you help to unlock our full economic potential.”
Against the backdrop of the historic CAD 500 billion commitment announced by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney to strengthen Canada’s engagement over the next decade, CanCham Sri Lanka is working with more than 20 Canadian Chambers of Commerce across the Indo-Pacific to create a unified platform that advances trade, investment, innovation, and inclusive economic growth, Mohamd Hameez, Founder and Board Member CanCham SL said.
He said this collaborative initiative aims to deepen commercial partnerships, foster cross-border investment opportunities, encourage Innovation, and promote sustainable and inclusive prosperity throughout the region.
The Indo-Pacific is calling and Canada-Sri Lanka must answer together. Hameez said the Tourism 5 – Year Strategic Plan is complete and CanCham SL will launch a higher education scholarship scheme for a needy student coming from an extreme poverty background.
He said late October/November 2026 a high-level business delegation will visit Canada to position Sri Lanka as an FDI destination and boost tourism, real estate, Fintech and education sectors.
