COLOMBO – The National Chamber of Exporters of Sri Lanka (NCE) has officially appointed Ethera Business LLC as its joint venture partner in the Maldives, in a strategic move aimed at boosting Sri Lankan exports and enhancing bilateral trade cooperation between the two countries.
The partnership positions Ethera Business — led by its Founder and CEO, Ranga Goonawardena, Sri Lanka’s former High Commissioner to the Maldives — as NCE’s dedicated market facilitation hub in the Maldives. The joint venture will focus on enabling Sri Lankan exporters to gain a stronger foothold in one of South Asia’s most dynamic and high-value markets.
Under the agreement, Ethera Business will:
• Facilitate B2B matchmaking between Sri Lankan exporters and Maldivian buyers, importers, and investors.
• Provide market intelligence, regulatory guidance, and entry strategies tailored to the Maldivian business landscape.
• Coordinate trade delegations, exhibitions, and product promotions in priority sectors.
• Advocate for policies and initiatives that strengthen cross-border trade efficiency.
“This partnership reflects our commitment to proactively support our members in penetrating new markets with high growth potential,” said Indhra Kaushal Rajapaksa, President of the NCE. “Having an on-the-ground partner with proven expertise in the Maldives will give Sri Lankan exporters a significant competitive advantage.”
“The Maldives presents unique opportunities for Sri Lankan products and services — from tourism supplies and construction materials to healthcare and food exports,” noted Ranga Goonawardena, CEO of Ethera Business. “Through this partnership, we aim to create a structured platform for exporters to succeed in the Maldivian market while building sustainable bilateral business relations.”
The joint venture’s first initiatives will launch in late 2025, beginning with targeted trade facilitation programs for sectors in high demand within the Maldives.About the National Chamber of Exporters of Sri Lanka (NCE):
The NCE is the only private sector Chamber in Sri Lanka exclusively serving exporters. Representing over 700 export-oriented companies, it works to enhance the competitiveness of Sri Lankan exports through advocacy, training, networking, and market access initiatives.
Ethera Business specializes in market entry facilitation, business advisory, trade development, and international expansion support. Founded by Ranga Goonawardena, the company leverages extensive diplomatic and corporate expertise to connect businesses with growth opportunities in key markets.
Photo (L–R): Mr. Indhra Kaushal Rajapaksa – President, NCE; Mr. Ranga Goonawardena – Founder & CEO, Ethera Business LLC; Mr. Shiham Marikar – Secretary General & CEO, NCE.
