Tuesday Nov 03, 2026
Tuesday Nov 03, 2026
Tuesday, 3 November 2026 04:43 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
The Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB), in collaboration with the Sri Lanka High Commission in the United Kingdom, conducted a two-day business outreach program in London on 21 and 22 October 2026 to promote Sri Lanka Expo 2027 and encourage greater participation by UK businesses.
The move featured a Business and Investment Forum and networking session on 21 October, followed by bilateral business meetings on 22 October. Around 140 participants, including British buyers, investors, representatives of chambers of commerce, business associations and trade promotion organisations, attended the forum to explore commercial partnerships and strengthen trade and investment ties between the two countries.
The initiative aimed to expand market opportunities for Sri Lankan exports, promote the country as a reliable sourcing destination and showcase investment prospects across key sectors. Sri Lanka Expo 2027 is scheduled to take place from 14-17 January 2027.
The Sri Lankan delegation was led by Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe. Other members included Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Ministry Secretary Thilaka Jayasundara, EDB Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Mangala Wijesinghe, and the Board of Investment of Sri Lanka (BOI) Executive Director.
Addressing the forum, Minister Samarasinghe highlighted Sri Lanka’s economic recovery, noting that the economy recorded growth of 5% in both 2024 and 2025.
He attributed the progress to the resilience of the Sri Lankan people, the determination of the business community and advances made under the country’s economic reform program. He also emphasised the Government’s continued efforts to improve the regulatory environment, streamline procedures, strengthen institutional coordination, and enhance transparency and efficiency in public service delivery.
Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Ministry Secretary Jayasundara, outlined the progress made in restoring economic stability and strengthening investor confidence. She noted that Sri Lanka recorded economic growth of 5%, while the industrial sector expanded by 7.8% in 2025. She also highlighted improvements in the country’s fiscal position, including a Budget deficit equivalent to 2.3% of gross domestic product (GDP) and a declining debt ratio.
Jayasundara further stated that foreign direct investment (FDI) exceeded $ 1 billion in 2025, representing an increase of 72%. These developments, she noted, demonstrated the opportunities available to investors seeking to establish or expand their presence in Sri Lanka.
Delivering the welcome address, High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to the UK Senadheera, highlighted the longstanding trade relationship between the two countries. He also drew attention to the opportunities available to Sri Lankan exporters under the UK’s Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS), which provides preferential market access for eligible exports.
EDB Chairman Wijesinghe, outlined Sri Lanka’s export potential in the UK market, highlighting the strengths of the country’s products and services across key sectors. He emphasised Sri Lanka’s competitiveness as a sourcing destination, supported by sustainable manufacturing practices, authentic products and compliance with international quality standards.
He also delivered a detailed presentation on Sri Lanka Expo 2027, describing the event as an important platform for international buyers and investors to engage directly with Sri Lankan businesses across a wide range of sectors. He invited UK-based companies to participate in the Expo and explore sourcing, investment and partnership opportunities with Sri Lankan enterprises committed to international quality and sustainability standards.
A panel discussion on trade opportunities featured Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Ministry Secretary Jayasundara, EDB Chairman Wijesinghe and Marks & Spencer (M&S) Head of Finance Head of Finance Suraj Wijendra. The discussion explored Sri Lanka’s potential as a responsible sourcing destination, its strategic advantages and opportunities to expand bilateral trade. Panellists also highlighted the Expo’s value for UK buyers seeking reliable suppliers and new business partnerships.
Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Ministry Secretary, Aistra Co-Founder and Managing Partner Eric Selvadurai, and the BOI Executive Director participated in a separate panel discussion examining investment opportunities in Sri Lanka. The discussion focused on Sri Lanka’s investment climate, emerging sectoral opportunities and potential for international collaboration. Participants were encouraged to attend the investment forum planned as part of Sri Lanka Expo 2027 to engage with Sri Lankan institutions and businesses.
Delivering the vote of thanks, Sri Lanka High Commission in the UK Minister (Commercial) and Coordinator of the Promotional Program P. Jayakody, invited the 140 participants at the Business and Investment Forum, including existing and prospective buyers, investors and representatives of business associations, to attend Sri Lanka Expo 2027.
Scheduled for 14–17 January 2027, Sri Lanka Expo 2027 is expected to provide a platform for Sri Lankan exporters, manufacturers, service providers and investment promotion agencies to connect with international markets and expand business opportunities.
