High Commissioner Nimal Senadheera Meets with the first-ever SheTrades delegation from Sri Lanka to the UK
The Sri Lanka High Commission (SLHC) in London hosted a meeting on 9 February 2026 with Sri Lankan women entrepreneurs as part of the first-ever women-focused trade mission, SheTrades from Sri Lanka to the United Kingdom (UK). The programme is part of the International Trade Centre (ITC) SheTrades Commonwealth+ Programme, in collaboration with the UK Government, the British High Commission in Colombo, and the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (SLEDB).
The SLHC welcomed the delegation of women-led businesses from Sri Lanka to meet H.E. Nimal Senadheera, High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to the UK. Alongside the Sri Lankan women entrepreneurs, representatives from the ITC and the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) took part in the discussion.
The meeting began with the Sri Lankan women entrepreneurs sharing inspiring stories of building their export businesses from the ground up, creating jobs, empowering local communities, and contributing to inclusive economic growth. Participants explored opportunities under the UK’s Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS), which provides zero-tariff access for eligible Sri Lankan products with its recent changes, supporting the expansion of these businesses into the UK market. The discussion also highlighted the SheTrades Sri Lanka Hub, hosted by SLEDB in partnership with the ITC, for its role in preparing women entrepreneurs for global trade, boosting visibility, and connecting them with potential buyers.
High Commissioner Senadheera commended the entrepreneurs for their vision, commitment, and contribution to Sri Lanka’s economic growth. He expressed appreciation to the ITC, the UK Government, and SLEDB for supporting initiatives that enable women entrepreneurs to connect with the UK market. He reaffirmed the SLHC’s commitment to facilitating ongoing dialogue and creating opportunities that advance women’s participation in trade, empowering women entrepreneurs, and strengthening Sri Lanka’s presence in the UK market. Mr. Somasena Mahadiulwewa, Minister (Commercial) of the SLHC, moderated the discussion.
Sri Lanka High Commission in London
10th February 2026
