From Malderfish to Mega Deals: Are Maldivians Hooking Bigger Fish in Sri Lanka?

There was a time when the biggest thing Sri Lanka got from the Maldives was malderfish. Smoky, salty, and a pantry staple, it was the unofficial symbol of island-to-island trade. But fast forward to 2025, and it looks like the Maldivians are reeling in much bigger catches.

At the recently held Sri Lanka–Maldives Business Forum in Malé, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake didn’t come to ask for dried fish. Instead, he pitched Sri Lanka as the region’s next big investment hotspot—with tourism, tech, and real estate all on the table.

And the Maldivians? Let’s just say, they were listening.

According to whispers from the forum, some of the biggest players in the Maldivian hospitality and construction sectors are seriously considering dipping their toes (and their dollars) into Sri Lankan waters. High-end resort chains, boutique hotel groups, and logistics tycoons were seen scribbling notes, exchanging cards, and quietly asking for site visits in Colombo, Galle, and even Jaffna.

The Colombo Port City project, Sri Lanka’s glittering new ambition, was a particular crowd-puller. President Dissanayake called it the “future hub of finance, innovation, and healthcare”—and a few Maldivian investors were seen nodding in agreement. Some are even rumored to be exploring early-stage partnerships there.

But tourism wasn’t the only hook. Sri Lanka’s growing ICT sector, especially in areas like AI and machine learning, sparked genuine interest. With many Maldivian businesses looking to digitalize, Sri Lankan talent might soon be behind the code of Maldivian apps, booking systems, or even AI-powered resort assistants.

Meanwhile, the classic sectors—fisheries, food processing, urban housing—were all up for grabs, with the Sri Lankan delegation emphasizing political stability, legal reforms, and a renewed anti-corruption drive.

So, is the era of malderfish over?

Not quite. The dried delicacy still has its place in Lankan cuisine. But the tides have clearly shifted. What was once a humble trade in dried tuna might soon evolve into multi-million dollar investments, tech ventures, and luxury developments.

The Maldives is no longer just Sri Lanka’s friendly neighbor—it’s becoming a business partner. And perhaps, in a few years, we’ll look back and say: it all started with a fish.