Sri Lanka is seeking more UK buyers, investors and business partners ahead of EXPO 2027. The High Commission in London held trade and investment meetings in London and Dover. The meetings focused on exports, foreign investment and UK participation in the event.
More than 130 British business leaders, investors and other stakeholders attended the main UK–Sri Lanka Trade and Investment Forum in London. The Sri Lankan delegation used the forum to present export and investment opportunities. It also invited UK businesses to explore commercial links with local companies.
UK buyers to explore local suppliers
The discussions focused on opportunities for UK buyers, importers and distributors. A presentation on EXPO 2027 was followed by a panel discussion on sourcing from Sri Lankan suppliers.
The panel included officials from the Ministry of Industries and Entrepreneurship Development and the Sri Lanka Export Development Board. Marks & Spencer Head of Finance Suraj Wijendra also joined the discussion.
Sri Lanka also highlighted benefits available under the United Kingdom’s Developing Countries Trading Scheme, or DCTS. The scheme was presented as an opportunity for UK businesses to explore trade with Sri Lankan exporters.
The forum also included a session on investment opportunities. Secretary to the Ministry of Industries and Entrepreneurship Development Thilaka Jayasundara delivered the keynote address.
Board of Investment Director Priyanka Samaraweera outlined opportunities for foreign investors. Bhathiya Athukorala of the International Construction Consortium presented opportunities linked to Port City Colombo and the real estate sector.
A second panel focused on investment opportunities and business partnerships between UK investors and local companies.
UK participation targeted ahead of January
The Sri Lankan delegation also met the UK–Sri Lanka Chamber of Commerce. The meeting covered business cooperation and UK participation in EXPO 2027. The delegation then met Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council Chief Executive Samantha Cohen CVO, OBE, and other council representatives.
The discussion focused on connecting Sri Lankan and British businesses with international investors through the Commonwealth business network. The programme later moved to Dover. More than 30 UK business representatives, including prospective investors, joined the trade and investment engagement there.
The latest meetings form part of preparations for Sri Lanka EXPO 2027. The event is scheduled to take place in Colombo from 14 to 17 January 2027.
EXPO 2027 is expected to provide a platform for Sri Lankan companies to promote products and services. It is also expected to support international business partnerships and attract investment.
For exporters, the focus will be on reaching overseas buyers, importers and distributors. For investors, the event will offer a chance to explore investment opportunities and potential business partnerships.
The UK engagements show that efforts to build business participation have started ahead of the January event.
Last modified: November 3, 2026
