The grand opening of Englander’s flagship showroom took place on August 6, 2025, at the Arpico Supercentre in Colombo, Sri Lanka. The event marked the official entry of the American mattress brand into the Sri Lankan market.
Julie Chung, U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka, attended the ceremony and delivered remarks highlighting both the history of Englander and its significance for U.S.–Sri Lanka commercial relations. She thanked Lou Paige, President of Englander, along with the teams from both countries for their efforts in bringing the brand to local consumers.
“Today is about more than mattresses. It’s about a tradition of craftsmanship, trust, and a commitment to excellence. And I am honored to be part of a moment that connects all of those ideas—while also helping Sri Lankan consumers sleep just a little bit better at night!” Chung said during her speech.
Englander was founded in 1894 in the United States and has since developed a reputation for innovation within the mattress industry. Ambassador Chung noted that despite changes over time—including revolutions in transportation and healthcare—the need for restful sleep remains constant. “Englander has not only endured through all these changes—it has stayed relevant by constantly adapting, improving, and staying true to its core values of comfort and quality,” she stated.
She described how Englander pioneered several innovations in sleep technology as early as the 1950s with products such as latex “air-foam” mattresses and hybrid designs combining coils with advanced comfort layers.
Chung emphasized that this launch represents more than commercial expansion; it is part of ongoing economic cooperation between the United States and Sri Lanka. American companies continue to view Sri Lanka as an attractive destination for investment even after recent economic challenges faced by the country.
“These relationships create jobs, introduce global standards, and build lasting bridges between our two countries,” she remarked. She called moments like these “a clear vote of confidence” in Sri Lanka’s potential for recovery and growth.
Ambassador Chung concluded her remarks by underlining the broader importance of well-being associated with good sleep: “We all know how important rest is to health, productivity, and peace of mind... Englander isn’t just selling mattresses—they’re offering well-being, comfort, and even a little bit of peace.”
The event highlighted shared interests between American business leaders and their local partners while reinforcing people-to-people connections through commerce.