A prominent Sri Lankan based in Germany is leading efforts to inject significant investment into the nation, focusing on the tourism, education, and cuisine sectors to create jobs and forge stronger ties between the two countries.

Thushaan Kunabalasingam, the North American Lead for Ocean Cruise Line at the German company Livecookintable, is the driving force behind the initiative. His strategic approach is based on a strong belief that the Sri Lankan economy is now firmly “on the right track”.

Culinary Innovation and Expansion

Mr Kunabalasingam is currently introducing Livecookintable’s innovative modular kitchen concept—designed for easy-to-assemble, open-cooking displays—to the local market. The company has already secured a significant partnership with Cinnamon Hotels.

The expansion plans are ambitious, targeting the hotel, catering, and stadium industries. Discussions are underway with Sri Lanka Cricket to potentially install the modular product at the Mullaitivu stadium. Having also successfully promoted the concept in Jaffna, the company aims to generate further investment by expanding its full operations into Colombo by 2027.

Opening Gates for Cruise Liners

Leveraging his deep industry contacts, Mr Kunabalasingam is actively working to establish Sri Lanka as a vital port of call for international cruise ships. He noted that major operators, such as Viking River Cruise, currently sail close to India but bypass Colombo.

To capture this market, he has engaged in discussions with the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) Chairman to aggressively market Colombo as a key cruise destination, aiming to attract major liners to the island’s shores.

German Collaboration in Education

Crucially, Mr Kunabalasingam’s vision extends to the country’s long-term human capital. He plans to enhance the education sector through collaborations with German universities.

He has toured faculties at the Universities of Colombo (Tourism), Jaffna (Medical), Rajarata (Tourism), and Moratuwa (Business Economics) to identify clear partnership opportunities. The ultimate goal is to expand pathways for local students to pursue further education in Germany, where higher education is free for citizens, signalling a significant investment in the country’s future talent.

Mr Kunabalasingam concluded that his confidence is shared by the wider business community, noting that a number of similar international companies have expressed interest in entering the Sri Lankan market as the economy stabilises and improves under the new administration.

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