Sri Lanka has stepped up efforts to attract British investors and strengthen trade and investment relations with the United Kingdom at the UK–Sri Lanka Trade and Investment Forum held in London on 21 October 2026.
The forum was part of a promotional programme organized by the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB), in collaboration with the Sri Lanka High Commission in the United Kingdom, to encourage greater participation from British businesses in Sri Lanka EXPO 2027.
Held under the patronage of Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development Wasantha Samarasinghe, the forum brought together business leaders, investors and industry representatives from both countries. The Sri Lankan delegation included High Commissioner Nimal Senadheera, UK Trade Envoy Lord Hannett, Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Secretary Thilaka Jayasundara, EDB Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Mangala Wijesinghe, and representatives of the Board of Investment of Sri Lanka (BOI).
Strengthening UK–Sri Lanka Trade and Investment Relations
The forum attracted participation from British companies representing sectors including information technology, real estate, energy and food processing. The Minister highlighted the interest in expanding trade and investment cooperation between the two countries.
The UK remains one of Sri Lanka’s important trading partners and its third-largest export market. According to figures shared at the forum, British investment had reached US$1.73 billion by 2025, supporting nearly 22,000 jobs. The UK was also Sri Lanka’s second-largest source of tourist arrivals in 2025, with more than 212,000 visitors.
Sri Lanka Highlights Economic Reforms and Investor Support
Addressing Sri Lanka’s economic progress, Minister Samarasinghe highlighted the government’s reform programme, implemented in close coordination with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). He noted that the programme had contributed to restoring macroeconomic stability, rebuilding foreign reserves and strengthening investor confidence.
Sri Lanka’s economy recorded growth of 5% in both 2024 and 2025, while total goods and services export revenue reached US$17.3 billion in 2025.
The Minister also emphasised the government’s commitment to creating a predictable and transparent business environment. Efforts to simplify regulations, improve public service efficiency and facilitate investors through the BOI were highlighted as part of the country’s investment promotion strategy.
He invited British businesses to discuss their concerns and requirements directly with the government, encouraging partnerships that could expand manufacturing capacity and generate employment.
Sri Lanka EXPO 2027 to Showcase Investment Potential
As part of the promotional programme, bilateral business-to-business meetings were scheduled for 22 October 2026 to facilitate further engagement between Sri Lankan representatives and prospective British business partners.
The Minister also invited British investors and businesses to participate in Sri Lanka EXPO 2027, scheduled to take place in Colombo from 14 to 17 January 2027. The international exhibition aims to showcase Sri Lanka’s export capabilities, products, services and investment potential to international buyers and investors.
The initiative reflects Sri Lanka’s ongoing efforts to expand export opportunities, attract foreign investment and establish long-term commercial partnerships with the United Kingdom.
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