Sri Lanka and Germany seek further strengthening of bilateral relations
Daily FT: Sri Lanka is seeking to expand cooperation with Germany in trade, investment, tourism and education, Finance and Planning Deputy Minister Anil Jayantha Fernando said.
Speaking at the German Unity Day reception in Colombo recently, Dr. Fernando reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s commitment to closer economic cooperation and new areas of collaboration with Germany.
Germany is Sri Lanka’s fourth-largest export market, with exports exceeding $ 700 million in 2025, the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development said. More than 160 German companies operate in Sri Lanka. Germany was also Sri Lanka’s fourth-largest tourism source market in 2025, with 147,966 arrivals.
Fernando acknowledged the role of the Delegation of German Industry and Commerce (AHK Sri Lanka) and the Sri Lanka-Germany Business Council in building business partnerships. He thanked Germany for its support following Cyclone Ditwah and welcomed the recent visit of the German Parliamentary Friendship Group for South Asia to Sri Lanka.
Germany has also supported Sri Lanka in development cooperation, education and vocational training, including through the Ceylon German Technical Training Institute (CGTTI). More than 120,000 Sri Lankans live in Germany. The two countries established diplomatic relations in 1953.OSL take:
Growing economic ties between Sri Lanka and Germany are creating opportunities for businesses and investors in both countries, with expanding cooperation in trade, investment, tourism and education expected to open new avenues for commercial partnerships and joint ventures. Germany, Sri Lanka’s fourth-largest export market, recorded more than US$700 million in imports from Sri Lanka in 2025. With over 160 German companies already operating in the country, Sri Lanka offers an established platform for German businesses seeking to expand their presence in South Asia. Potential business/investment opportunities exist across manufacturing, engineering, renewable energy, information technology, logistics, tourism, pharmaceuticals and vocational education. German expertise in advanced manufacturing, industrial automation, green technology and technical training could also support Sri Lanka’s efforts to modernise its industries, improve productivity and expand its export capabilities. For Sri Lankan businesses, closer engagement with Germany provides opportunities to access advanced technologies, European distribution networks, industrial expertise and new markets. Local manufacturers and exporters could benefit from partnerships with German companies in areas such as value-added manufacturing, engineering, food processing, apparel technology and sustainable production. Joint ventures between the two countries could also facilitate technology transfers, skills development, research and innovation, while helping Sri Lankan companies meet international quality and environmental standards. Tourism represents another promising area for cooperation. Germany was Sri Lanka’s fourth-largest tourism source market in 2025, generating 147,966 arrivals. This creates opportunities for German travel operators, hotel investors and hospitality service providers, while Sri Lankan tourism businesses could develop stronger partnerships with German travel companies. The role of the Delegation of German Industry and Commerce (AHK Sri Lanka) and the Sri Lanka-Germany Business Council in facilitating business connections could become increasingly important in translating these opportunities into commercial ventures. As both countries seek to diversify trade and strengthen economic cooperation, greater private-sector engagement, investment partnerships and joint ventures could provide a platform for mutually beneficial growth.
| Article Code : | VBS/AT/20261110Z_4 |