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Optimism among Swedish companies working with Sri Lanka

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Leif I Ohlson

Growth in the last five years, growth in 2024 and optimism for 2025. These are some of the key findings from the Sweden-Sri Lanka Business Council’s (SSLBC) 2025 Membership Survey, a news release from the organization said last week.

“The results are also a reflection of the increasing interest for Sri Lanka among Swedish companies. In two years, the number of members of SSLBC has grown from 75 to 100.

– The results are encouraging. Our members have developed their business relations with Sri Lanka in recent years. We are also noticing a general increase in interest from the Swedish business community for Sri Lanka. The results should also be seen in the light of Sri Lanka’s fiscal recovery

since 2022. At the same time, the visa issue continues to be raised by our members, both for business visits and conferences or fairs. Action is needed by the relevant authorities,” says Leif I Ohlson, Secretary General Sweden-Sri Lanka Business Council.

The member survey was conducted in February 2025. In total, it was answered by 50% of the members. Respondents include companies active in IT, manufacturing, trade, food and tourism. Three out of four have been operating in or with Sri Lanka for at least three years. The number of members

of SSLBC have grown in the last two years, from 75 to 100.

Nearly six in ten say their business in or with Sri Lanka has grown in the last five years. A similar proportion have experienced growth in 2024. There is also strong confidence in the development of the business environment in Sri Lanka in 2025. Seven out of ten believe in a positive development, compared to one in four in 2023 when the survey was last conducted, and the effects of the fiscal crisis in 2022 were still clearly visible. Optimism is also strong among members for their own business in 2025. More than six in ten expect their activities in or with Sri Lanka to develop positively this year.

Members were also asked to rank the issues that are most important to them in 2025. In total, seven areas were ranked (the figure shown is the combined result of ‘most important’, ‘second most important’ and ‘third most important’:

1. Availability of skilled labor (74%)

2. Clear and predictable import/export rules (47%)

3. Financing (44%)

4. Flight connections (37%)

5. Stable payment flows (35%)

6. Positive image of Sri Lanka in Swedish media (34%)

7. Transportation (29%)

– Sri Lanka has a highly educated workforce, not least in the IT sector. The salary situation is also favorable. This is a reason for many Swedish IT companies to establish themselves in the country. At the same time, only a few members have received support or assistance from Swedish trade promotion agencies or their Sri Lankan counterparts in establishing or developing operations. There is more to be done here and over the past year we have seen a greater commitment from them, which will certainly be visible in future surveys.

However, presence on site and the opportunity to share their experiences with other entrepreneurs is most important. Here SSLBC plays an important role with our many years of experience and continuity, says Leif I Ohlson.

About Sweden-Sri Lanka Business Council

Sweden-Sri Lanka Business Council was established in 2006 and has 100 members. Members are active in IT, manufacturing, consumer goods and food, and tourism. Together, the members create over 2,000 jobs in Sri Lanka, directly and indirectly.

The Sweden-Sri Lanka Business Council is a membership organization that exists to create member value through knowledge sharing, expertise, professional networking and by promoting members’ issues. Sweden-Sri Lanka Business Council strives to facilitate and develop relationships between trade organizations, business intermediaries and companies in both countries to stimulate business and trade between Sweden and Sri Lanka.

(Contact details: Leif I Ohlson, Secretary General Sweden-Sri Lanka Business Council sec.gen@sslbc.se)



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Low-floor buses launched to boost accessible public transport for differently-abled

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A new low-floor bus service that gives priority to persons with disabilities and special needs was launched last Tuesday (21) from the Makumbura Multimodal Center (MMC).

The service was inaugurated under the patronage of Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development, Bimal Rathnayake.

Accordingly, ten specially designed low-floor buses have been introduced into the transport service today. These buses are specially designed so that wheelchair users, visually impaired passengers and also expectant women can board the bus with ease, the Transport Ministry said.

Each bus has 30 passenger seats and separate seating areas have been allocated for passengers using wheelchairs.

The pilot project operates on routes from Makumbura to Colombo Fort and from Makumbura to Kadawatha. These routes also cover major hospitals including the Colombo National Hospital and the Maharagama Apeksha Hospital.

Speaking at the event, Subject Minister Bimal Rathnayake stated that while these buses prioritize the differently-abled community, they will also provide a comfortable and reliable transport service for all passengers.

He also noted that 122 low-floor buses are planned to be introduced into service before the end of this year, and that in the future the service will be expanded to areas such as Kandy, Batticaloa, Matara and Jaffna.

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Nestlé Lanka Announces Change in Leadership

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Nestlé Lanka Limited has announced the appointment of Manav Sahni as its Chairman and Managing Director effective 01 May 2026. He will be succeeding Bernie Stefan, who will be transitioning to a new global role within the Nestlé Group. Bernie Stefan led Nestlé’s Sri Lankan operations through a particularly challenging time since 2023 – and has successfully guided the company through a strategic turnaround, positioning it on a axis for sustainable growth.

Speaking on his tenure at Nestlé Lanka, Bernie commented “Leading Nestlé Lanka has been a deeply meaningful chapter in my Nestlé journey. I am grateful to have worked alongside an amazing and resilient team that continues to make a difference for Sri Lankans across the country. On a personal note, it was an amazing opportunity to live on this beautiful island and experience firsthand the openness, warmth and kindness of its people, which has been the highlight of my Nestlé career to date. As Nestlé Lanka marks 120 years of enriching Sri Lankan lives, it is especially humbling to reflect on the role we have played in building on this legacy – positively touching individuals and families, strengthening community partnerships, and advancing our sustainability commitments. I am thankful to my colleagues, partners and stakeholders for their collaboration and trust, and to the wider business community, including through my role as a Board Member of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, for the opportunity to reinforce Nestlé’s commitment to responsible corporate citizenship. I leave very confident in the strength of the team and the journey that lies ahead.”

Manav Sahni brings with him over 18 years of experience in the FMCG & Telecom sector. Prior to taking on the role as Chairman and Managing Director of Nestlé Lanka Limited, he has been heading Nestlé’s Dairy business for the South Asia Region, where he expertly managed a highly diverse portfolio, driving sustainable business transformation.

“I am thrilled to take on the role of Chairman and Managing Director of Nestlé Lanka at such a pivotal moment in its journey. Nestlé has been part of Sri Lankan households for generations, and I am excited to work with the team to continue delighting consumers with tasty and nutritious products, while strengthening the positive impact we create through our brands and initiatives.”

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Majestic Cineplex Returns Bigger Better and More Immersive

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Ceylon Theatres will unveil the newly revamped Majestic Cineplex on the 29th of April 2026, beginning a new chapter for one of Sri Lanka’s best known cinema destinations. Located at Majestic City Colombo, Majestic Cineplex returns with major technology upgrades, enhanced comfort, and a range of premium viewing options, reinforcing Ceylon Theatres’ long standing reputation for raising the bar in cinema entertainment experiences in Sri Lanka. Accordingly, the upgraded Cineplex will be completely open to the public from 29th April 2026 onwards.

For generations of moviegoers, Majestic Cineplex has been a landmark venue in Colombo, and its latest transformation brings together the nostalgia of a familiar name with the excitement of a modern cinema experience. Leading the new screen line up is Majestic Platinum, which introduces Sri Lanka’s first and only digital LED cinema screen. Designed to deliver sharper visuals, deeper contrast, richer colour, and outstanding clarity, the auditorium features a 3D 4K Tricorne LED Cinema Screen together with Dolby Atmos surround sound. Majestic Platinum offers 226 seats, including 18 VIP recliner seats for those chasing a premium cinema experience.

The cineplex also features three additional theatres, each designed to offer a high quality movie experience. Majestic Superior includes Barco 2K projection, 3D capability, and 7.1 surround sound, with seating for 150 patrons. Majestic Ultra features the same advanced projection and audio systems with 149 seats. Majestic Gold offers a more private luxury setting with Barco 2K projection, 3D capability, DTSX surround sound, and 30 leather recliner seats, ideal for those looking for the most premium and exclusive experience.

Patrons can also enjoy an upgraded café experience with freshly prepared and ready to eat food available for purchase at the counter, along with convenience of being served to your seat. The new café experience, together with the upgraded theatres make for a more relaxed, enjoyable, and fulfilling experience for everyone.

Discussing the relaunch, Ganga Rathuvithana, General Manager Operations at Ceylon Theatres said, “Majestic Cineplex has always been a special part of Colombo’s cinema culture, and we are proud to welcome audiences back with an experience that reflects the future of movie entertainment. We have always believed in investing in the best available technology, from introducing Sri Lanka’s first 3D cinema to now launching the country’s first digital LED cinema screen. Our revamped Majestic Cineplex is designed to give movie lovers something truly special.”

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