Wednesday Nov 05, 2025
Wednesday Nov 05, 2025
Wednesday, 5 November 2025 00:28 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
UK Trade Envoy for Sri Lanka Lord John Hannett
speaking at WTM as officials of Sri Lanka Tourism
and private sector leaders look on
UK Trade Envoy for Sri Lanka, Lord John Hannett, yesterday praised Sri Lanka’s resilience, beauty and growing appeal as a global travel destination, while reaffirming the UK’s commitment to deepening trade and tourism partnerships, at the opening of the Sri Lanka Pavilion at the World Travel Market (WTM) in London’s Excel Centre.
Addressing the gathering, Lord Hannett said it was a privilege to represent the UK as Trade Envoy to Sri Lanka, a country he described as “a story of strength and renewal.”
He commended the island’s tourism sector for its excellence, innovation, and resilience. “You are not only promoting travel—you are promoting understanding, helping communities thrive, and showing the world that Sri Lanka has an awful lot to offer,” he said.
He also said the UK consistently ranks among the top sources of international visitors to Sri Lanka, a testament to the enduring affection and appreciation that Britons hold for this beautiful island nation. “Sri Lanka is more than a destination; it is a story of optimism, ambition and renewal,” he added. Reflecting on his visit to the island, Lord Hannett said he was moved by the optimism and passion of Sri Lankans, particularly among entrepreneurs driving the country’s post-crisis recovery. He asserted that tourism has served not only as an economic driver but also “as a bridge between different cultures.”
He highlighted ongoing UK–Sri Lanka collaborations, including through the Developing Countries Trading Scheme and the UK’s Ocean Country Partnership Program, which supports Sri Lanka in expanding its “blue economy” by tackling marine pollution, promoting sustainable seafood practices, and conserving marine biodiversity.
“Sri Lanka has been identified as one of the world’s 36 global tourism hotspots for its beaches and water sports.Through our partnership, we are unlocking new opportunities for sustainable growth and shared prosperity,” he added.
Lord Hannett also praised the Sri Lankan diaspora in the UK for their vital role in strengthening bilateral ties across business, academia and healthcare. He noted that thousands of Sri Lankan students continue to pursue higher education in the UK each year, deepening the people-to-people connection between the two nations.
“The relationship between our two countries is rooted in history but defined by the future, one built on shared values and global ambitions. From eco-tourism to digital innovation, from education to enterprise, the UK and Sri Lanka are building a partnership of opportunity,” he said.
