UK Indo-Pacific Minister’s visit to strengthen economic ties with SL

The economic ties between Sri Lanka and the United Kingdom will come under renewed focus with UK’s Minister for the Indo-Pacific Catherine West visiting the island nation.

With this being the first ministerial visit to Sri Lanka since the formation of new governments in both countries, inclusive economic growth, anti-corruption, human rights and national reconciliation are on the agenda.

“The Minister will strengthen valuable UK-Sri Lanka trade links, boosting growth for UK and Sri Lankan businesses. She will launch new export procedure handbooks, helping Sri Lankan businesses better access the UK market through the Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS),” the British High Commission in Sri Lanka said.

The Developing Countries Trading Scheme cuts tariffs, removes conditions and simplifies trading rules for 65 developing countries.

West will meet key government ministers, including Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya. 

The minister will also travel to Jaffna to emphasise UK’s ongoing support for human rights, reconciliation, climate resilience and minority rights. 

She will meet with local political leaders and civil society organisations working on post-conflict rehabilitation, as well as visiting the only FCDO-funded climate adaptation project which directly addresses groundwater depletion and its impact on agriculture and local communities.

“The UK and Sri Lanka share a dynamic modern partnership. I look forward to exploring our potential to grow our relationship through trade, economic growth and education.”

“I believe social and economic development are vital to sustained growth. The UK remains steadfast in our commitment to tackling corruption, supporting human rights progress including long-standing grievances, and taking action on the impacts of climate and nature,” said West, commenting on her visit to Sri Lanka.

The Minister will meet the British Council to discuss the growing educational partnership as Sri Lanka positions itself as regional hub for transnational education (TNE). 

According to UK High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Andrew Patrick, the visit highlights the shared ambition of our two governments to deepen collaboration, and address shared challenges such as economic growth, climate change and human rights.