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 programme in London on October 21 and 22, 2026, to promote Sri Lanka Expo 2027 and encourage greater participation by the UK businesses.
The programme featured a Business and Investment Forum and networking session on October 21, followed by bilateral business meetings on October 22. Approximately 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 January 14 to 17, 2027.
The Sri Lankan delegation was led by Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe. The 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.
Forum highlights economic recovery and investment opportunities
Addressing the forum, Samarasinghe highlighted Sri Lanka’s economic recovery, noting that the economy recorded growth of 5 percent in both 2024 and 2025.
He attributed the progress to the resilience of the Sri Lankan people, determination of the business community and advances made under the country’s economic reform programme.
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.
Jayasundara outlined the progress made in restoring economic stability and strengthening investor confidence. She noted that Sri Lanka recorded an economic growth of 5 percent in both 2024 and 2025, while the industrial sector expanded by 7.8 percent in 2025.
She also highlighted the improvements in the country’s fiscal position, including a budget deficit equivalent to 2.3 percent of gross domestic product and a declining debt ratio.
She further stated that foreign direct investment exceeded US $ 1 billion in 2025, representing an increase of 72 percent. 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 United Kingdom Nimal Senadheera highlighted the long-standing trade relationship between the two countries.
He also drew attention to the opportunities available to Sri Lankan exporters under the United Kingdom’s Developing Countries Trading Scheme, which provides preferential market access for the eligible exports.
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 the 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.
Panel discussions examine trade and investment prospects
A panel discussion on trade opportunities featured Jayasundara, Wijesinghe and Marks & Spencer Head of Finance Suraj Wijendra. The discussion explored Sri Lanka’s potential as a responsible sourcing destination, its strategic advantages and opportunities to expand bilateral trade. The panellists also highlighted the expo’s value for the UK buyers seeking reliable suppliers and new business partnerships.
Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Ministry Secretary Eric Selvadurai, Aistra Co-Founder and Managing Partner and BOI Executive Director participated in a separate panel discussion, examining investment opportunities in Sri Lanka. The discussion focused on Sri Lanka’s investment climate, emerging sectoral opportunities and potential for international collaboration. The participants were encouraged to attend the investment forum planned as part of Sri Lanka Expo 2027, to engage with the Sri Lankan institutions and businesses.
UK businesses invited to Sri Lanka Expo 2027
Delivering the vote of thanks, Sri Lanka High Commission in the United Kingdom Minister Commercial P. Jayakody, the coordinator of the promotional programme, invited approximately 140 participants at the Business and Investment Forum, including the existing and prospective buyers, investors and representatives of business associations, to attend Sri Lanka Expo 2027.
Sri Lanka Expo 2027 is expected to provide a platform for Sri Lankan exporters, manufacturers, service providers and investment promotion agencies to connect with international markets and expand business opportunities.
Sri Lanka strengthens UK business ties ahead of Expo 2027
