Thursday Jun 18, 2026
Thursday Jun 18, 2026
Wednesday, 17 June 2026 06:54 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
Lord Hannett of Everton
The UK’s Trade Envoy to Sri Lanka, Lord Hannett of Everton, will hold talks with Government ministers, officials and business leaders this week as the United Kingdom steps up efforts to deepen trade and investment ties with Sri Lanka following the introduction of enhanced zero-tariff access for Sri Lankan exports earlier this year.
The British High Commission in Colombo said Lord Hannett of Everton, will return to Colombo from 17 to 19 June 2026, his second visit within the span of a year. His program is set to feature several high-level engagements with government and business stakeholders.
The visit underlines the United Kingdom’s commitment to strengthening the UK-Sri Lanka trade and investment relationship, supporting a more transparent and predictable business environment, and promoting partnerships that contribute to sustainable economic growth in both countries.
During his time here, Lord Hannett will hold discussions with the Industries and Entrepreneurship Development Minister Sunil Handunetti, Deputy Minister Chathuranga Abeysinghe, and senior officials from the Export Development Board and Department of Commerce.
These meetings aim to discuss Sri Lanka’s reform agenda, market access for UK businesses, and the improved opportunities that the UK’s Developing Countries Trade Scheme offers for Sri Lanka’s export growth.
He will engage with a range of senior business leaders, including the Council for Business with Britain, to exchange views on investment confidence and commercial opportunities.
This includes visits to a range of UK businesses and institutions operating in the market, including HSBC, Unilever, Coats Thread Exports, the Land Rover showroom and service centre operated by Access Motors, Ryse Energy, and The Body Shop.
He will also meet representatives from the apparel sector, Sri Lankan SME exporters, and young entrepreneurs. He will engage with the higher education sector, focusing on the growing role of UK institutions in supporting Sri Lanka’s skills, employability, and entrepreneurship.
Ahead of the visit, Lord Hannett said: “I am pleased to return to Colombo and look forward to meeting our valued government partners and business leaders to explore how the UK can deepen collaboration, support growth, and create opportunities for businesses that benefit both our countries.
The UK is committed to helping British businesses succeed overseas. I look forward to hearing directly from UK and Sri Lankan businesses across sectors including education, clean energy, retail, manufacturing, and technology, including the younger business community who will be driving Sri Lanka’s economic growth in the years ahead.
I will also follow up with Sri Lankan SMEs I met during recent trade missions to the UK and hear how UK-funded support is helping them enter the market. With reforms to the UK’s Developing Countries Trading Scheme now in force, Sri Lanka has a stronger platform to grow exports to the UK by utilising the zero-tariff benefits. I am particularly keen to hear how the apparel sector, the biggest winner from the DCTS reforms, is maximising this opportunity.
I hope this visit will identify practical opportunities to deepen trade and drive growth in both the UK and Sri Lanka.”
The engagements will reflect the breadth of UK commercial interests in Sri Lanka and highlight the contribution of UK brands and investors to jobs, skills, innovation, and economic growth in Sri Lanka.
The UK also continues to encourage Sri Lanka to improve the ease of doing business, particularly by ensuring policy stability and regulatory transparency, which will help unlock further trade and investment.
