Top 10 Business Ideas to Start in Sri Lanka in 2025

Sri Lanka’s dynamic economy and strategic location make it an attractive destination for new business ventures. With an estimated 1000 new startups expected in 2025, the island nation offers a plethora of opportunities for entrepreneurs. This article explores the top 10 business ideas to start in Sri Lanka in 2025, providing insights into various sectors that show promise for growth and profitability.

Overview

• Sri Lanka’s growing economy and strategic location offer unique business opportunities.
• Mobile repair services are in high demand due to the increasing number of smartphone users.
• Sustainable eco-tourism ventures can leverage Sri Lanka’s natural beauty and attract environmentally conscious travelers.
• Online tutoring and e-commerce stores for handicrafts are promising online business ideas.
• Customized travel planning and agriculture technology solutions cater to specific needs in the Sri Lankan market.

1. Mobile Repair Service

The mobile phone market in Sri Lanka has been steadily growing with a penetration rate of over 80%. With the widespread use of smartphones, there is a constant demand for repair services. Offering a mobile repair service in Sri Lanka is an excellent way to capitalize on this growing market.

To get started, follow these steps:

1. Acquire skills: Enroll in a mobile repair training course to learn about the intricacies of smartphone repairs.
2. Invest in tools: Purchase the necessary tools and equipment for smartphone repairs.
3. Choose a niche: Decide whether you want to focus on repairing specific brands or offer a general repair service.
4. Set up your business: Register your business, get any necessary permits or licenses, and set up a workspace.

Differentiate yourself by offering doorstep repair services for added convenience. Use social media, local directories, and word of mouth to promote your services. Focus on delivering quality repairs and excellent customer service to build a loyal customer base.

For comprehensive mobile repair training and tools, check out the packages offered by Exeve.lk.

2. Spice Packaging and Selling

Sri Lanka is renowned worldwide for its spices, with a history of spice trade dating back centuries. The country is a major producer of spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and black pepper. Spice packaging and selling can tap into both local and international markets, making it one of the best businesses to start in Sri Lanka. It can help preserve the rich heritage of spice production and provide economic benefits to local spice growers.

How to Start Your Spice Packaging and Selling Business

1. Identify suppliers: Build relationships with local spice growers to source high-quality spices at competitive prices.
2. Choose your niche: Decide whether you want to focus on specific spices or offer a range of spices.
3. Packaging: Invest in attractive, eco-friendly packaging that preserves the freshness and quality of the spices.
4. Branding: Create a unique brand identity for your spice business, including a memorable logo and packaging design.
5. Quality control: Implement strict quality control measures to ensure the consistency and quality of your products.
6. Market research: Identify your target market, both locally and internationally, and understand their preferences.
7. Promotion: Use digital marketing, social media, and partnerships with local stores to promote your products.
8. Export: Explore opportunities to export your spices to international markets.

The workshop aims to educate the participants on the latest trends & best practices in packaging for spices products for both local & international markets.

3. Tuk-tuk Rental Service

Tuk-tuks are an iconic mode of transportation in Sri Lanka, cherished by both locals and tourists. With millions of tourists visiting the country each year, there’s a high demand for convenient and unique transportation options. Starting a tuk-tuk rental service can be a profitable venture, catering to the increasing number of tourists exploring Sri Lanka.

To get started, consider the following steps:

• Market research: Understand the needs and preferences of tourists, such as preferred rental durations, routes, and pricing.
• Invest in tuk-tuks: Purchase or lease a fleet of well-maintained tuk-tuks.
• Legal requirements: Register your business, obtain the necessary permits and insurance, and ensure compliance with local regulations.
• Set up a booking system: Create an easy-to-use online booking system, or partner with local hotels and tour operators to offer your services.
• Pricing: Develop a competitive pricing strategy based on market research and customer preferences.
• Maintenance: Regularly service and maintain your tuk-tuks to ensure their safety and reliability.
• Marketing: Promote your rental service through digital marketing, partnerships with local businesses, and customer testimonials.
• Customer service: Provide excellent customer service, including clear communication, flexible rental options, and support during the rental period.

Someone on the team must be at least 21 years old to rent a tuk-tuk but the legal driving age in Sri Lanka is 18.

For a seamless start, consider exploring the packages offered by EXEVE to streamline your business setup and marketing efforts. Get ready to revolutionize the tuk-tuk system in Sri Lanka and offer tourists an unforgettable experience!

4. Sustainable Eco-tourism Ventures

Eco-tourism is a growing trend among travelers who seek unique experiences while minimizing their environmental impact. By setting up sustainable eco-tourism ventures, you can contribute to the preservation of Sri Lanka’s natural beauty while catering to this demand.

How You Can Start

1. Identify a location: Choose an ecologically rich area in Sri Lanka to base your venture, considering factors like accessibility, tourist interest, and environmental sensitivity.
2. Market research: Understand your target audience’s preferences, such as preferred activities, accommodations, and experiences.
3. Create a sustainable plan: Develop a plan that prioritizes sustainable practices, like reducing waste, conserving energy, and supporting local communities.
4. Design unique experiences: Offer activities like guided nature walks, wildlife safaris, or traditional cooking classes that highlight Sri Lanka’s natural and cultural heritage.
5. Obtain necessary permits: Ensure compliance with local regulations by obtaining the necessary permits and licenses for your eco-tourism venture.
6. Partner with local communities: Collaborate with local communities to provide authentic experiences and support their economic development.
7. Marketing: Use digital marketing, partnerships with travel agencies, and eco-certifications to promote your venture and attract eco-conscious travelers.
8. Customer service: Provide excellent customer service, including clear communication, tailored experiences, and education on sustainable practices.

Entrepreneurship in eco-tourism not only offers investment opportunities but also contributes to the economic growth of local communities. By focusing on sustainability, you can create a business that is both profitable and beneficial to the environment.

For more insights on business optimization and maximizing Sri Lankan businesses’ potential, feel free to talk to us.

5. Online Tutoring Services

Online education has experienced significant growth recently, with a projected market value of $350 billion by 2025. This trend presents a fantastic opportunity for launching online tutoring services in Sri Lanka. The increasing demand for quality education, combined with the convenience of online learning, makes this one of the best business ideas to consider. It allows you to reach a wide audience and share your expertise without geographical limitations.

To get started, focus on the following steps:

1. Build an online presence: Set up a professional website and social media profiles to showcase your qualifications, teaching style, and success stories.
2. Deliver quality lessons: Provide interactive and effective online lessons that cater to your students’ individual needs and learning styles.
3. Marketing: Promote your services through digital marketing, partnerships with schools, and word of mouth.
4. Collect feedback: Continuously seek feedback from your students to improve your teaching methods and adapt to their needs.
5. Pricing: Develop a competitive pricing strategy based on market research and your unique value proposition.

Online tutoring services offer a flexible and convenient way for students to learn from anywhere.

For those looking to streamline their digital transformation, consider exploring the packages offered by EXEVE. Their solutions can help you integrate culture, strategy, and technology to achieve growth, efficiency, and a global reach.

6. E-commerce Store for Handicrafts

Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage is reflected in its vibrant handicraft industry, which has been passed down through generations. Handicrafts like batik, wood carving, and pottery are highly valued both locally and internationally. Setting up an e-commerce store for handicrafts allows you to support local artisans and preserve Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage while capitalizing on the increasing demand for unique, handcrafted products.

How You Can Start

1. Identify suppliers: Build relationships with local artisans to source unique and high-quality handicrafts.
2. Choose a niche: Decide whether you want to focus on specific types of handicrafts or offer a diverse range of products.
3. Set up an e-commerce platform: Choose an e-commerce platform that suits your needs and design an attractive, user-friendly online store.
4. Product photography and descriptions: Take high-quality photographs of your products and write detailed descriptions for your customers.
5. Marketing: Promote your e-commerce store through digital marketing, partnerships with local events, and showcasing the stories behind the handicrafts.
6. Customer service: Provide excellent customer service, including prompt responses to inquiries, personalized recommendations, and after-sales support.

By creating an online store, you not only help local artisans reach a broader audience but also contribute to preserving Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage.

For a seamless e-commerce experience, consider using packages from Exeve.lk to set up your online store and manage your digital marketing effectively.

7. Customized Travel Planning Services

Personalized travel experiences are becoming increasingly popular among travelers. Customized travel planning servicescater to this demand by creating tailor-made itineraries that showcase Sri Lanka’s attractions and culture, making it one of the best business ideas in Sri Lanka.

How You Can Start

1. Market research: Understand the preferences and needs of your target audience, such as budget, activities, and duration of stay.
2. Develop travel packages: Create customized travel packages based on your market research, including accommodations, transportation, and activities.
3. Build partnerships: Collaborate with local hotels, transportation providers, and tour guides to offer unique experiences and competitive prices.
4. Legal requirements: Register your business and obtain any necessary licenses or permits to operate a travel planning service.
5. Create an online presence: Set up a professional website and social media profiles showcasing your services, customer testimonials, and travel packages.
6. Marketing: Promote your services through digital marketing, partnerships with travel influencers, and participation in travel-related events.

Personalized travel experiences have become increasingly popular among travelers. Customized travel planning services cater to this demand by creating tailor-made itineraries that showcase Sri Lanka’s attractions and culture, making it one of the best business ideas in Sri Lanka.

8. Agriculture Technology Solutions

Agriculture plays a significant role in Sri Lanka’s economy, with over 27% of the population employed in the sector. However, small-scale farmers often face challenges like low productivity and outdated farming practices. Offering tech solutions to small-scale farmers can help them increase their yield, improve their farming practices, and ultimately enhance their livelihoods.

How You Can Start

1. Identify pain points: Understand the challenges faced by small-scale farmers, such as irrigation, pest control, and soil health.
2. Develop tech solutions: Create innovative technology solutions that address these pain points, like IoT-based monitoring systems, automated irrigation systems, or mobile apps for pest management.
3. Market research: Understand your target market, including their willingness to adopt new technologies, budget constraints, and specific needs.
4. Collaborate with experts: Partner with agricultural experts and technologists to develop reliable, user-friendly solutions.
5. Pilot testing: Test your solutions with a small group of farmers to gather feedback and make any necessary improvements.
6. Education: Conduct workshops and training sessions to educate farmers on the benefits of your tech solutions and how to use them effectively.
7. Marketing: Promote your solutions through digital marketing, partnerships with local agricultural organizations, and participation in agricultural fairs.
8. Customer support: Provide responsive customer support, including technical assistance and regular updates to your tech solutions.

By embracing innovation and leveraging the latest technology, you can make a significant impact on the agricultural sector in Sri Lanka. For more insights and packages, visit exeve.lk.

9. Online Market for Local Artisans

Sri Lanka’s artisans create a wide range of unique products, including handicrafts, textiles, and jewelry. However, many local artisans struggle to reach a broader audience due to limited access to markets. Creating an online marketplace for local artisans allows them to showcase and sell their products to a wider audience, supporting their craft and helping preserve Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage.

How You Can Start

1. Identify artisans: Build relationships with local artisans and understand their needs and challenges.
2. Create an online marketplace: Set up an easy-to-use online marketplace that allows artisans to list their products, manage their inventory, and receive payments.
3. Product photography and descriptions: Assist artisans in taking high-quality photographs of their products and writing detailed descriptions.
4. Quality control: Implement quality control measures to ensure the authenticity and quality of the products listed on your marketplace.
5. Marketing: Promote your online marketplace through digital marketing, partnerships with local events, and showcasing the stories behind the artisans and their crafts.
6. Education: Provide training to artisans on pricing, packaging, and other aspects of online selling.

By creating an online market for local artisans, you not only support their craft but also help preserve Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage.

For a comprehensive solution to set up your online marketplace, consider exploring the packages offered by EXEVE.

10. Coconut Products Manufacturing and Export

Sri Lanka is the world’s fourth-largest producer of coconuts, producing over 2.7 million metric tons annually. The country’s tropical climate and abundant coconut plantations make it a prime location for coconut-based products. The global demand for coconut-based products, such as coconut oil, coconut milk, and coconut water, is on the rise due to their health benefits and versatile applications. By manufacturing and exporting coconut products, you can tap into this lucrative market.

How You Can Start

1. Obtain certifications: Acquire relevant certifications, like organic or fair trade, to enhance the appeal of your products to international customers.
2. Compliance: Ensure compliance with local and international regulations for food safety and quality standards.
3. Marketing: Develop a marketing strategy that highlights the unique features and benefits of your coconut products, targeting both local and international markets.

Sri Lanka’s coconut industry offers a wealth of opportunities for entrepreneurs looking to enter the global market. With the right approach, you can build a successful business that leverages the country’s natural resources and growing demand for coconut-based products.

Conclusion

Sri Lanka’s dynamic economy, diverse culture, and strategic location present unique business opportunities for entrepreneurs. The business ideas discussed in this article are just a glimpse of the vast potential that exists in the Sri Lankan market. By understanding the specific needs of the target audience, adhering to local regulations, and offering innovative and sustainable solutions, entrepreneurs can establish successful businesses in Sri Lanka. Whether you’re a middle-class family, an early-stage entrepreneur, or a seasoned business owner, there’s no better time than now to seize the opportunities that Sri Lanka has to offer. So, take that leap of faith, explore the business opportunities, and contribute to the country’s vibrant economy.