The Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Egypt, Sisira Senavirathne, met with the Chairman and Managing Director of the Suez Canal Authority, Admiral Ashraf Ibrahim Atwa Megahed, on 7 October 2026 at the Authority’s Headquarters in Ismailia to discuss opportunities to strengthen bilateral cooperation in trade, investment and the broader economic and maritime sectors.

Recalling the longstanding relations between Sri Lanka and Egypt in trade, commerce and investment, Ambassador Senavirathne emphasised the importance of expanding bilateral economic cooperation for the mutual benefit of both countries. Discussions focused on potential collaboration in the maritime sector, including joint ventures in maritime manufacturing, shipbuilding, boatbuilding, fishing vessels and related industries.

The Ambassador sought the Chairman’s support in facilitating partnerships between companies affiliated with the Suez Canal Authority and their Sri Lankan counterparts, particularly in maritime manufacturing and related industries. He highlighted the potential for joint ventures and commercial partnerships that would leverage the expertise of businesses in both countries. The Ambassador also briefed the Chairman on Sri Lanka Expo 2027, the flagship international trade and investment exhibition scheduled to take place in Colombo from 14 to 17 January 2027, and invited the Authority and its affiliated companies to participate in the event to explore business opportunities and potential partnerships with Sri Lankan counterparts.

The Chairman and Managing Director of the Suez Canal Authority, Admiral Ashraf Ibrahim Atwa Megahed, expressed keen interest in strengthening bilateral cooperation and exploring new avenues for collaboration in trade, investment and maritime ventures. He highlighted the strategic significance of the Suez Canal and expressed particular interest in developing partnerships with Sri Lankan companies in boatbuilding and related industries.

Following the meeting, the Ambassador was hosted on a boat tour along the Suez Canal, during which the project coordinator briefed him on the newly launched canal tourism initiative. The tour provided an opportunity to learn about the project’s development and its potential to promote tourism and create new economic opportunities linked to the Suez Canal.

The Ambassador was accompanied by the Second Secretary, Darshika Dasanayake, and the Trade Assistant of the Mission, Omar Hamdy, during the meeting.

Embassy of Sri Lanka
Cairo

25 October 2026