KUALA LUMPUR : The Acting High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to Malaysia, . M. I. Mohamed Rizvi, paid a courtesy call on . Jacob Lee Chor Kok, President of the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (FMM), on Tuesday, 6 January 2026 at the FMM Headquarters in Kuala Lumpur. The FMM is Malaysia’s national organisation representing over 3,000 manufacturing companies and industries and serves as the collective voice of the manufacturing sector. Established in 1968, FMM works closely with the Government of Malaysia to advance industrial development and enhance global competitiveness
Mr. Jacob Lee and the FMM Council Members extended a warm welcome to the Acting High Commissioner and the accompanying officers of the High Commission. During the meeting, bilateral discussions were held to further strengthen Sri Lanka–Malaysia trade and economic relations. The Acting High Commissioner drew attention to the significant negative trade balance faced by Sri Lanka in bilateral trade and sought the support of FMM in addressing this imbalance.
The Acting High Commissioner encouraged Malaysian companies to consider hosting corporate and annual events in Sri Lanka, highlighting the country’s cost competitiveness and favourable currency value compared to other destinations. He also invited Malaysian manufacturers to establish or expand operations in Sri Lanka, noting Sri Lanka’s strategic location and its preferential market access to the subcontinent through existing Free Trade Agreements. In addition, he requested FMM’s assistance in facilitating the recruitment of skilled and semi-skilled Sri Lankan workers for Malaysia’s manufacturing sector through the Malaysian Government’s Foreign Workers Recruitment System.
Discussions further focused on the possibility of organising a Malaysian business delegation to Sri Lanka in June 2026 to participate in the Sri Lanka Expo scheduled from 18 to 21 June 2026. The Acting High Commissioner also sought FMM’s support through financial contributions and donations of construction materials to assist Sri Lanka’s ongoing rebuilding and recovery efforts.
Mrs. Thusari Perera, Second Secretary and Head of the Labour Section, and Mrs. H. P. Mandahasini, Attaché, accompanied the Acting High Commissioner during the meeting.
