Panel Discussion with the UK’s Trade Envoy to Sri Lanka Held at SLHC, London

The Sri Lanka–United Kingdom Chamber of Commerce in London (SLUKCC), together with the Sri Lanka High Commission in London (SLHC), hosted a panel discussion titled “Building Stronger Trade Bridges Between Sri Lanka and the United Kingdom” at the SLHC premises on 27 January 2026, with over 40 participants in attendance.

The discussion focused on strengthening bilateral trade and economic relations between Sri Lanka and the United Kingdom. Delivering welcome remarks, the President of SLUKCC, Mr Eranga Pathirage, highlighted the Chamber’s role as a bridge between the two countries, connecting businesses, institutions and communities, and working closely with the SLHC and UK partners to convert interest into tangible trade, investment and services partnerships. Addressing the gathering, the High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to the UK, H.E. Nimal Senadheera, underscored the UK’s position as Sri Lanka’s second-largest export market and a key investment and innovation partner. Reaffirming Sri Lanka’s commitment to deepening economic engagement with the UK, he stated that the UK is not only an important trading partner, but also a long-term investor and innovation partner in Sri Lanka’s next phase of growth. He encouraged Sri Lankan businesses to fully utilise the UK’s Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS), noting the enhanced market access it provides, particularly for SMEs, and the relaxed Rules of Origin for apparel implemented from January this year.

The keynote address was delivered by Lord John Hannett of Everton OBE, the UK’s Trade Envoy to Sri Lanka, who highlighted opportunities in trade, investment and modern value chains, and emphasised the importance of close collaboration between business and government to unlock long-term commercial partnerships. He encouraged companies to maximise the benefits of the DCTS and to leverage platforms such as SLUKCC to explore new opportunities. It was noted that Lord Hannett is scheduled to visit Sri Lanka early this year, providing further opportunities to advance trade and investment discussions.

The Chairman of the Board of Investment (BOI) of Sri Lanka, Mr Arjuna Herath, joined the discussion virtually from Sri Lanka and spoke on the country’s improving investment climate and growth ambitions. He highlighted Sri Lanka’s aspiration to achieve close to 7 per cent economic growth through the attraction of strong, high-quality investment, noting in particular the rapid expansion of real estate developments in Colombo’s business districts.

The interactive panel discussion was moderated by Mr Simon Culhane, Director of SLUKCC. Panellists included H.E. Nimal Senadheera; Lord Hannett of Everton OBE; Mr Arjuna Herath; Ms Kerry Hallard, CEO of the Global Sourcing Association (GSA) and Chair of the Global Technology & Business Services Council; and Mr Suraj Wijendra, Head of Finance, Marks and Spencer UK PLC.

During the forum, the Minister (Commercial) at the SLHC, Mr Somasena Mahadiulwewa, delivered a presentation on Sri Lanka Expo 2026, organised by the Export Development Board (EDB) of Sri Lanka and scheduled to be held at the BMICH in Colombo from 18 to 21 June 2026. He outlined the Expo’s structure, parallel events, investment and export opportunities, and concessions for foreign buyers, visitors and journalists, and emphasised the importance of strong UK participation. He noted that the High Commission will coordinate and facilitate UK delegations in collaboration with the EDB.

The event concluded with a Q&A and networking session, enabling participants to engage directly with speakers and panellists. Discussions also covered Sri Lanka’s strategic location as a gateway to Asia, tourism potential, strengths in IT, BPO and skilled labour, product branding, the Colombo Port City Project, and wider trade and investment opportunities, including Sri Lanka’s integration into global value chains.

 

High Commission of Sri Lanka in London

29 January 2026