Building ‘Brand Sri Lanka’ through strategic franchise development

Sri Lanka’s inaugural Global Franchise Forum (GFF) 2025, held in April 2025, has delivered immediate results, awakening local brands to their global potential. Franchise India Group Chairman Gaurav Marya in this interview discusses the phenomenal response to GFF 2025. He sees Sri Lanka at a critical juncture where the traditional export-dependent economy must evolve into a brand-creating powerhouse, and outlines his roadmap for establishing ‘Brand Sri Lanka’ globally through strategic franchise development.

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Now that the Global Franchise Forum 2025 has concluded, what are your key reflections on Sri Lanka’s readiness to embrace franchising as a mainstream economic catalyst?

The response was absolutely overwhelming. We received phenomenal interest not only from Colombo but from people who travelled from across Sri Lanka to attend the event. What struck me most was how the younger generation is actively seeking to diversify into new-age businesses. We witnessed significant interest across multiple sectors, and remarkably, we actually closed our first franchise deal at the forum itself with a beauty institute.

What concrete partnerships emerged from the Forum, and what immediate impact has it had on both international and local brands?

About 30 global brands participated in the Forum, and I’m confident that within this year, 50% of them will establish operations in the Sri Lankan market. Several have already made firm commitments.

ISAS Beauty Academy, a beauty school from Dubai, is entering Sri Lanka and has finalised all arrangements. Three O’Clock Coffee from Vietnam has announced their Sri Lankan entry. Frank’s Famous Hot Dogs from France announced their master franchise for Sri Lanka. UClean, a laundry company operating in nine countries, has committed to the Sri Lankan market. Network In Action (NIA), a global American networking company, has also announced their Sri Lankan operations.

We saw tremendous interest in food services, education, and technology-centric businesses. Many approached us specifically seeking quick commerce capabilities.