Sri Lanka strengthens UK business ties ahead of Expo 2027
Daily FT: The Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB), in collaboration with the Sri Lanka High Commission in the United Kingdom, conducted a two-day business outreach program in London on 21 and 22 October 2026 to promote Sri Lanka Expo 2027 and encourage greater participation by UK businesses.
The move featured a Business and Investment Forum and networking session on 21 October, followed by bilateral business meetings on 22 October. Around 140 participants, including British buyers, investors, representatives of chambers of commerce, business associations and trade promotion organisations, attended the forum to explore commercial partnerships and strengthen trade and investment ties between the two countries.
The initiative aimed to expand market opportunities for Sri Lankan exports, promote the country as a reliable sourcing destination and showcase investment prospects across key sectors. Sri Lanka Expo 2027 is scheduled to take place from 14-17 January 2027.
The Sri Lankan delegation was led by Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe. Other members included Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Ministry Secretary Thilaka Jayasundara, EDB Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Mangala Wijesinghe, and the Board of Investment of Sri Lanka (BOI) Executive Director.
Addressing the forum, Minister Samarasinghe highlighted Sri Lanka’s economic recovery, noting that the economy recorded growth of 5% in both 2024 and 2025.
He attributed the progress to the resilience of the Sri Lankan people, the determination of the business community and advances made under the country’s economic reform program. He also emphasised the Government’s continued efforts to improve the regulatory environment, streamline procedures, strengthen institutional coordination, and enhance transparency and efficiency in public service delivery.
Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Ministry Secretary Jayasundara, outlined the progress made in restoring economic stability and strengthening investor confidence. She noted that Sri Lanka recorded economic growth of 5%, while the industrial sector expanded by 7.8% in 2025. She also highlighted improvements in the country’s fiscal position, including a Budget deficit equivalent to 2.3% of gross domestic product (GDP) and a declining debt ratio.
Jayasundara further stated that foreign direct investment (FDI) exceeded $ 1 billion in 2025, representing an increase of 72%. These developments, she noted, demonstrated the opportunities available to investors seeking to establish or expand their presence in Sri Lanka.
Delivering the welcome address, High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to the UK Senadheera, highlighted the longstanding trade relationship between the two countries. He also drew attention to the opportunities available to Sri Lankan exporters under the UK’s Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS), which provides preferential market access for eligible exports.
EDB Chairman Wijesinghe, outlined Sri Lanka’s export potential in the UK market, highlighting the strengths of the country’s products and services across key sectors. He emphasised Sri Lanka’s competitiveness as a sourcing destination, supported by sustainable manufacturing practices, authentic products and compliance with international quality standards.
He also delivered a detailed presentation on Sri Lanka Expo 2027, describing the event as an important platform for international buyers and investors to engage directly with Sri Lankan businesses across a wide range of sectors. He invited UK-based companies to participate in the Expo and explore sourcing, investment and partnership opportunities with Sri Lankan enterprises committed to international quality and sustainability standards.
OSL take:
Sri Lanka’s ongoing economic recovery and renewed efforts to attract foreign investment are creating expanding business/investment opportunities for British companies seeking to strengthen their presence in South Asia, particularly in sectors with export potential and growing domestic demand. The recent business outreach programme in London, organised by the EDB in collaboration with the Sri Lanka High Commission, reflects growing efforts to connect British businesses with Sri Lankan exporters, investment opportunities and potential local partners ahead of Sri Lanka Expo 2027. With the Sri Lankan economy recording 5% growth in both 2024 and 2025, business/investment opportunities are emerging across manufacturing, infrastructure, tourism, renewable energy, information technology, financial services, agriculture and logistics. For British businesses/investors, Sri Lanka offers opportunities to establish new ventures, acquire strategic partnerships with local companies and explore joint ventures targeting both domestic and international markets. The country’s established export industries, skilled workforce and strategic location along major Indian Ocean shipping routes provide a foundation for businesses seeking regional market access. Potential areas of cooperation include advanced manufacturing, food processing, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, education, digital services, sustainable energy and port-related infrastructure. British companies could also bring expertise in engineering, technology, professional services and financial solutions to support the development of these industries. There is also considerable scope for British buyers to expand sourcing from Sri Lanka, particularly in apparel, tea, spices, rubber products, processed food, ceramics and other value-added exports. Sri Lankan businesses, meanwhile, could benefit from British technology, investment capital, distribution networks and access to international markets through commercial partnerships. The upcoming Sri Lanka Expo 2027, scheduled for 14–17 January, provides another platform for British companies to identify potential partners and assess investment prospects.
| Article Code : | VBS/AT/20261111Z_3 |