Sri Lanka seeks stronger UK trade and investment ties ahead of EXPO 2027

Newswire reports that Sri Lanka’s High Commission in London organised business engagements in London and Dover to promote British investment and export opportunities ahead of Sri Lanka EXPO 2027. The expo is scheduled for Colombo from January 14 to 17; the report does not specify the year.

Newswire reports that the main event, the UK–Sri Lanka Trade and Investment Forum, took place at the High Commission and drew more than 130 participants. Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe led the Sri Lankan delegation.

Newswire reports that Samarasinghe urged British businesses to consider Sri Lankan export and investment opportunities, noting benefits available through the UK’s Developing Countries Trading Scheme. High Commissioner Nimal Senadheera highlighted the importance of closer commercial relations and presented EXPO 2027 as a venue for new business partnerships. Export Development Board Chairman and CEO Mangala Wijesinghe outlined opportunities for international buyers and investors.

Newswire reports that forum discussions covered sourcing Sri Lankan products, widening commercial links with UK buyers and attracting foreign investment. Participants included representatives of Marks & Spencer, Sri Lanka’s Board of Investment, the Ministry of Industries and Entrepreneurship Development, and the private sector; Port City Colombo, real estate and other sectors were highlighted.

Newswire reports that the delegation also discussed business cooperation and British participation in EXPO 2027 with the UK–Sri Lanka Chamber of Commerce. The report begins an account of a further meeting with Samantha Cohen, identified as a chief executive, but the available text ends before completing that detail.