SLUKCC, SLHC host panel discussion on strengthening UK-Sri Lanka trade ties

The Sri Lanka–United Kingdom Chamber of Commerce in London (SLUKCC) in collaboration with the Sri Lanka High Commission in London (SLHC) hosted a panel discussion on the theme “Building Stronger Trade Bridges between Sri Lanka and the United Kingdom”.  

The focus of the discussion was on enhancing bilateral trade and economic ties between Sri Lanka and the UK. 

In his opening remarks, Eranga Pathirage, President of SLUKCC, emphasized the Chamber’s pivotal role in connecting businesses, institutions, and communities across both nations. He outlined how SLUKCC collaborates with SLHC and UK partners to turn interest into tangible trade, investment, and services partnerships.

Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to the UK, Nimal Senadheera, also addressed the gathering, highlighting the UK as Sri Lanka’s second-largest export market and a key partner in investment and innovation. 

He reiterated Sri Lanka’s commitment to strengthening economic ties with the UK and emphasized the UK’s role not only as a trading partner but also as a long-term investor and a source of innovation for Sri Lanka’s growth. 

He encouraged Sri Lankan businesses to take full advantage of the UK’s Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS), particularly for SMEs, and noted recent improvements to the scheme, such as relaxed Rules of Origin for apparel starting this year. John Hannett of Everton OBE, the UK’s Trade Envoy to Sri Lanka, delivered the keynote address, spotlighting the potential for growth in trade, investment, and modern value chains. He stressed the importance of close collaboration between business and government to foster long-term commercial partnerships. 

Arjuna Herath, Chairman of the Board of Investment (BOI) of Sri Lanka, participated virtually from Sri Lanka and spoke about the country’s improving investment climate and its growth objectives. He shared Sri Lanka’s ambition to achieve nearly 7 percent economic growth through attracting high-quality investments, highlighting the booming real estate developments in Colombo’s business districts as an example. The panel discussion was moderated by Simon Culhane, Director of SLUKCC. The panellists included  Nimal Senadheera, John Hannett, Arjuna Herath (BOI), Suraj Wijendra (Marks and Spencer Plc), and Kerry Hallard, CEO of the Global Sourcing Association (GSA) & Chair of the Global Technology & Business Services Council.

During the event, Somasena Mahadivulwewa, Minister (Commercial) at the SLHC, gave a presentation on Sri Lanka Expo 2026, organized by the Export Development Board (EDB) of Sri Lanka, scheduled to take place from June 18 to 21 this year at the BMICH in Colombo.

The event concluded with a lively Q&A and networking sessions, allowing over 40 participants to engage directly with the speakers and panellists.