The London Pitch Is Over. The Export Challenge Begins
Sri Lanka has taken its export ambitions to London, seeking stronger trade and investment links with the United Kingdom. But beyond the presentations, networking and business meetings, the real challenge is turning international interest into lasting commercial partnerships and new opportunities for Sri Lankan businesses.
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 21 and 22 October 2026 to promote Sri Lanka Expo 2027 and encourage greater participation by UK businesses.
The programme began with a Business and Investment Forum and networking session on 21 October, followed by bilateral business meetings on 22 October. 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.
The Sri Lankan delegation was led by Wasantha Samarasinghe, Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development. Other members included Thilaka Jayasundara, Secretary to the Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development; Mangala Wijesinghe, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the EDB; and the Executive Director of the Board of Investment of Sri Lanka (BOI).
Economic Recovery and Investment Opportunities
Addressing the forum, Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe highlighted Sri Lanka’s economic recovery, noting that the economy recorded growth of 5% in both 2024 and 2025.
He attributed this progress to the resilience of the Sri Lankan people, the 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.
Thilaka Jayasundara outlined the progress made in restoring economic stability and strengthening investor confidence. She noted that Sri Lanka recorded economic growth of 5% in both 2024 and 2025, 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.
Foreign direct investment (FDI) exceeded US$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, Nimal Senadheera, High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to the United Kingdom, highlighted the longstanding 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 (DCTS), which provides preferential market access for eligible exports.
Mangala Wijesinghe, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the EDB, 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.
Panel Discussions Examine Trade and Investment Prospects
A panel discussion on trade opportunities featured Thilaka Jayasundara, Mangala Wijesinghe and Suraj Wijendra, Head of Finance at Marks & Spencer (M&S).
The discussion explored Sri Lanka’s potential as a responsible sourcing destination, its strategic advantages and opportunities to expand bilateral trade.
Panellists also highlighted the Expo’s value for UK buyers seeking reliable suppliers and new business partnerships.
A separate panel discussion examined investment opportunities in Sri Lanka. Participants included Eric Selvadurai, Secretary to the Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development; the Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Aistra; and the Executive Director of the BOI.
The discussion focused on Sri Lanka’s investment climate, emerging sectoral opportunities and the potential for international collaboration.
Participants were encouraged to attend the investment forum planned as part of Sri Lanka Expo 2027 to engage with Sri Lankan institutions and businesses.
UK Businesses Invited to Sri Lanka Expo 2027
Delivering the vote of thanks, P. Jayakody, Minister (Commercial) at the Sri Lanka High Commission in the United Kingdom and coordinator of the promotional programme, invited the approximately 140 participants at the Business and Investment Forum, including existing and prospective buyers, investors and representatives of business associations, to attend Sri Lanka Expo 2027.
Scheduled for 14–17 January 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.
The Challenge Begins Now
The London programme has given Sri Lanka an opportunity to present its economic progress, export capabilities and investment prospects directly to British business representatives.
But the real measure of its success will not be the number of people who attended the forum or the presentations delivered over two days. It will be whether those conversations lead to new buyers, stronger partnerships, increased investment and tangible opportunities for Sri Lankan enterprises.
With Sri Lanka Expo 2027 approaching, the country now has an opportunity to turn the interest generated in London into meaningful business outcomes.
