The Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB), in collaboration with the Sri Lanka High Commission in the Maldives and key private-sector partners, showcased Sri Lankan creative and lifestyle products at the Food and Hospitality Asia Maldives (FHAM) 2026, held from 7–9 September in Hulhumalé, Maldives.
A dedicated Sri Lanka Country Pavilion was established for the Giftware and Lifestyle Products sector, featuring niche and exclusive products from 10 selected small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) participating under the national ‘Creative Sri Lanka 2030’ initiative.
The Maldives represents a high-value, tourism-driven market with steady demand for premium giftware, eco-friendly lifestyle products, home décor and spa-related items, particularly among luxury resort chains, boutique hotels and souvenir retailers.
Sri Lanka’s geographical proximity to the Maldives offers exporters and manufacturers advantages including lower freight costs, faster market access and comparatively simpler trade logistics. The country’s craftsmanship, creative talent, cultural diversity and access to a wide range of natural raw materials also provide a strong foundation for developing innovative, high-value and internationally competitive giftware and lifestyle products.
Given the sector’s relatively low-volume production capacity, Sri Lankan businesses are positioned to target niche and high-value export markets where competitiveness is driven by product quality, distinctive design, innovation and effective marketing rather than mass production.
FHAM is the Maldives’ leading international exhibition for the food, beverage and hospitality industries. Held annually, the event brings together local and international suppliers, service providers and industry professionals to showcase products, establish business partnerships and support the country’s tourism-driven economy.
The exhibition attracts a diverse range of industry stakeholders, including resort owners and developers, hotel management executives, project consultants and developers, housekeeping managers, dealers, importers and suppliers. This provides exhibitors with opportunities to engage directly with key decision-makers across the Maldivian hospitality sector.
EMBRAX Multiversity Launches Executive Programme in Sri Lanka with Harvard Business School Professor Elie Ofek
EMBRAX Multiversity has commenced a three-day executive leadership programme in Sri Lanka featuring Harvard Business School Professor Elie Ofek, focusing on artificial intelligence, innovation and strategic transformation.
Held from 15–17 September 2026 at Cinnamon Life, City of Dreams Colombo, the Harvard-style Executive Leadership Programme is designed to equip business leaders and organisations with the knowledge and strategic thinking needed to navigate an increasingly AI-driven business environment.
Hosted by EMBRAX Multiversity, the programme draws inspiration from the Harvard approach to executive education and is led by Professor Elie Ofek of Harvard Business School.
Rather than following the traditional executive seminar format of presentation-based learning, the programme uses the renowned Harvard Case Method, a discussion-driven approach that encourages participants to analyse complex business situations, debate strategic alternatives, challenge assumptions, defend their decisions and learn collaboratively with fellow executives.
The approach places participants at the centre of the learning experience, encouraging them to move beyond simply receiving answers and instead develop the ability to ask better questions, think strategically and make informed decisions amid uncertainty.
The Harvard Case Method has become one of the world's widely recognised approaches to executive education, providing participants with an immersive environment in which they can apply strategic thinking to real-world business challenges.
Professor Elie Ofek is the Malcolm P. McNair Professor at Harvard Business School and a member of its faculty specialising in marketing, innovation and artificial intelligence. His teaching and research cover areas including marketing strategy, innovation, pricing, digital transformation and the strategic implications of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence.
Sri Lanka Showcases Creative and Lifestyle Products at FHAM 2026 to Expand Maldives Hospitality Market
