Sri Lanka has stepped up efforts to attract British investment and expand export opportunities through a series of recent business engagements in London and Dover ahead of Sri Lanka EXPO 2027, scheduled to take place in Colombo from January 14 to 17. The Sri Lankan High Commission in London organised the programme recently, bringing together British investors, business leaders and representatives of key trade organisations. The main event, the UK–Sri Lanka Trade and Investment Forum, was held at the High Commission, attracting more than 130 participants. A high-level Sri Lankan delegation, led by Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development Wasantha Samarasinghe, attended the forum. Addressing the gathering, Minister Samarasinghe encouraged British businesses to explore Sri Lanka’s export and investment opportunities, highlighting the benefits available under the UK’s Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS). Sri Lankan High Commissioner to the UK Nimal Senadheera stressed the importance of strengthening bilateral commercial relations and promoting EXPO 2027 as a platform for new business partnerships. Export Development Board (EDB) Chairman and CEO Mangala Wijesinghe delivered a presentation on Sri Lanka EXPO 2027, outlining opportunities for international buyers and investors. The forum featured discussions on sourcing Sri Lankan products, expanding commercial links with UK buyers and attracting foreign investment. Representatives from Marks & Spencer, the Board of Investment of Sri Lanka (BOI), the Ministry of Industries and Entrepreneurship Development and the private sector participated in the discussions. Investment opportunities in Port City Colombo, real estate and other sectors were also highlighted. The Sri Lankan delegation also held discussions with the UK–Sri Lanka Chamber of Commerce on strengthening business cooperation and encouraging British participation in EXPO 2027. The delegation met Samantha Cohen, Chief Executive of the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council (CWEIC), to explore opportunities for connecting Sri Lankan businesses with international investors through Commonwealth business networks. The programme concluded with a business networking event in Dover, organised jointly with RS Rock Holdings, which brought together more than 30 UK business representatives, including potential investors. According to the Sri Lankan High Commission, the engagements were aimed at strengthening commercial partnerships and encouraging British buyers, investors and business representatives to visit Colombo for EXPO 2027. The High Commission said it expects the exhibition to provide further opportunities for trade, investment and business cooperation between Sri Lanka and the United Kingdom. (Newswire) The post Sri Lanka seeks stronger UK trade and investment ties ahead of EXPO 2027 appeared first on Newswire.
