Doing Business in Sri Lanka

Trade and economic relations between Australia and Sri Lanka have potential for further growth

Among Asia's fastest growing economies over recent years, trade and economic relations between Australia and Sri Lanka have potential for further growth – particularly in the sectors of agribusiness, mining and education. The ever-growing tourism sector also offers Australian businesses further opportunities in the area of food and wine, as well as tourism and leisure infrastructure.

Australia has also been a leading partner in Sri Lanka's plans to revive its dairy sector, having helped demonstrate effective dairy management systems and improve processes. 

Doing Business in Sri Lanka

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  • Why do business in Sri Lanka?

    Trade and economic relations between Australia and Sri Lanka have potential for further growth.

    Among Asia's fastest growing economies over recent years, trade and economic relations between Australia and Sri Lanka have potential for further growth – particularly in the sectors of agribusiness, mining and education. The ever-growing tourism sector also offers Australian businesses further opportunities in the area of food and wine, as well as tourism and leisure infrastructure.

    Australia has also been a leading partner in Sri Lanka's plans to revive its dairy sector, having helped demonstrate effective dairy management systems and improve processes. 

    Want to keep up to date with business developments and opportunities in the Asian region? Check out the Asialink Business news and media updates, as well as the Asian market research & resources available.

  • Business etiquette

    Qualifications and degrees are highly regarded.
    • Businesswear is formal in Sri Lanka, with suits being worn. Jackets are not compulsory during the general working day, but meetings with a government minister, chairman or other noted person will require a jacket to be worn.
    • Social occasions and business often mix, with business cards exchanged at both meetings and functions. Qualifications and degrees are highly regarded, so these should be added to business cards as well. Business associates are frequently invited to the homes of business acquaintances.
    • Handshakes are the common form of greeting. If you are male, wait for women to offer their hands before offering yours.
    • Times are often flexible, with meetings and social occasions not always starting and finishing on time. However it is also considered rude to be late for meetings, so ensure you are a few minutes early for any meeting.
    • Decisions are always made at the highest level, by the most senior representative, and negotiations can be slow. In terms of decision making, character and trust are as important to Sri Lankans as business facts and numbers, so ensure that you present as someone of good character.