Lammy visit reinforces investor confidence: President

Wednesday, 18 February 2026 00:22 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake yesterday described the visit of United Kingdom Deputy Prime Minister and Secretary of State for Justice David Lammy as timely, saying it reinforces international confidence in Sri Lanka’s economic recovery at a critical juncture.

The President made the remarks during a meeting with the visiting Deputy Prime Minister and delegation at the Presidential Secretariat.

He noted that the engagement comes as Sri Lanka continues to rebuild following the economic crisis and the impact of Cyclone Ditwah, adding that high-level visits signal renewed external confidence in the country’s stabilisation efforts.

Emphasising the long-standing ties between Sri Lanka and the United Kingdom, the President highlighted the UK’s contribution through tourism and export markets. He welcomed the United Kingdom’s decision to grant zero-tariff access for Sri Lankan textile exports, describing it as supportive of domestic industry. He also acknowledged the UK’s support during the debt restructuring process and in the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah.

Briefing the delegation on post-cyclone recovery, the President outlined ongoing reconstruction measures and stressed the need for sustained foreign exchange inflows. He pointed to tourism, exports and foreign direct investment as priority areas for cooperation, expressing confidence that the United Kingdom could play a constructive role in supporting continued economic stabilisation.

Deputy Prime Minister Lammy reaffirmed what he described as the enduring partnership between the two countries and commended Sri Lanka’s recent economic and social reform initiatives. He conveyed the United Kingdom’s continued support for reform efforts and for programmes focused on reconciliation, human rights and democratic governance.

The meeting was attended by British High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Andrew Patrick, Principal Private Secretary Ben Archibald, Head of the Deputy Prime Minister’s International Unit David Meyer, Special Adviser Fiona Meagher and Deputy Head of Mission Theresa O’Mahony.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Vijitha Herath, Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake and Senior Additional Secretary to the President Roshan Gamage also participated in the discussions.