Sri Lanka Embassy Advances Trade Collaboration: Maliban and CP Group hold Follow-Up Business Meeting in Bangkok

The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Thailand successfully facilitated a high-level business meeting between Maliban Biscuit Manufactories Ltd., Sri Lanka and Charoen Pokphand Foods Public Company Limited (CPF), a core subsidiary of Thailand’s CP Group, on 22 July 2025 in Bangkok.

This in-person meeting follows an initial virtual engagement between the two companies, coordinated by the Embassy, aimed at introducing Maliban’s product portfolio to CPF and initiating dialogue on potential trade collaboration. The latest meeting served to deepen those discussions and assess tangible business opportunities within the Thai market.

The objective of the session was to present Maliban’s extensive product range and explore possibilities for export and distribution partnerships with CP Group. This event marked a significant step in strengthening private sector engagement and commercial ties between Sri Lanka and Thailand.

Proceedings began with welcome remarks by Mr. Jirapipat Vorapipat, Senior Director for Europe at CPFNW, followed by an address from Her Excellency Wijayanthi Edirisinghe, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka to the Kingdom of Thailand, who underscored the growing importance of strengthening trade and commercial ties between the two nations.

The meeting included a corporate video marking CPF’s 100-year anniversary and a detailed presentation by Maliban showcasing its product range, international success, and export readiness. A product tasting session allowed CPF executives to evaluate the offerings and share feedback on flavor, packaging, and market potential and CPF expressed strong interest in several of Maliban’s biscuits and chocolate-based products for future collaboration.

CPF was represented by a senior delegation from its international affairs, business development, sourcing, and import-export divisions, including Mr. Lester Khoo, Mr. Pierre Nicou, Mr. Phitsanu Phankhat, Mr. Nopawat Mahadthai, Ms. Nichapa Phoroi, Ms. Ratchanin Iindramangala, and Ms. Bantira Sornmark.

The Maliban team was led by Mr. Ravi Jayawardena, Group Chief Executive Officer, accompanied by Mr. Milinda Weerasinghe, Group Head of Marketing, and Mr. Indika Dhamawickrama, Group Head of Quality and R&D. Mr. Sisira Mendis Abeysekara, Maliban’s official representative in Thailand, also participated. Ms. Samanmali Atalugama, Head of Chancery, and Ms. Shiwanthi Abeyrathne, Minister Counsellor (Commercial), were also attended representing the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Thailand.

The Embassy of Sri Lanka remains committed to supporting this promising dialogue and will continue to facilitate trade and investment connections that benefit for Sri Lankan exporters with Thai business partners.

Embassy of Sri Lanka
Bangkok, Thailand
24 July 2025