Global brands eye Sri Lanka to establish franchises
While Sri Lanka’s economy is showing signs of equilibrium and moderate progress with tourism experiencing a period of recovery and growth, globally renowned brands are eyeing Sri Lanka to establish franchises.
Last Sunday, the Global Franchise Forum (GFF) 2025 was held for the first time in Sri Lanka at the Sheraton Hotel in Colombo. Franchise India Group Chairman, Gaurav Marya on the sidelines of the forum told The Sunday Times Business, “Global brands are now looking at Sri Lanka, especially from Asian countries. There are potential Sri Lankan brands which have the capability of producing to the world.”
With rising global tariffs, there would be a huge opportunity to create Sri Lankan brands going global. Exporters need to create their own brands rather than just exporting products. There is an opportunity to build a culture of entrepreneurship and start-ups within Sri Lanka, Mr. Marya added.
There are several key sectors with strong franchising potential, consumer-facing businesses, which are food and beverage, fitness, and retail. “We are very focused on education, healthcare and child development, which are big areas. We are pushing those categories in this market. Globally we have a network of 15 countries,” Mr. Marya said.
He also mentioned that there are challenges in franchising in Sri Lanka – peoples’ mindset, infrastructure, financing and ease of doing business.
The GFF was supported by partners such as Indo-Lanka Chamber of Commerce, Ceylon National Chamber of Industries, International Chamber of Commerce Sri Lanka, Colombo Chamber of Commerce, Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Sri Lanka, and Indian Small Business and Franchise Association reinforcing the growing importance of international franchise development in the country’s economic resurgence.
Some of the brands that participated were Freshco Soda, U Clean, The Chocolate Room, Naturals Salon, Yala Begum, B2B Networks, Top Up Goli Soda, Hay Womens wear, Remarko Bakers, Total Clean, Karims, ISAS, DVE Automation, Franks, Three O’clock, and ActionCOACH.
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