Business

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake described the visit of UK Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy as timely and important. He stated that this visit boosts international trust in Sri Lanka’s recovery, highlighting its significance at this moment. The meeting took place this morning (17) at the Presidential Secretariat, where the President welcomed Lammy and his delegation. Dissanayake pointed out that the visit is especially important as Sri Lanka is working to rebuild after the recent economic crisis and the effects of cyclone Ditwah. He noted that high-level meetings like this help strengthen global confidence in Sri Lanka’s recovery efforts. The President spoke about the long-standing friendship between Sri Lanka and the United Kingdom, emphasizing the UK's ongoing support for Sri Lanka’s economy, particularly in tourism and exports. He expressed gratitude for the UK's decision to allow zero-tariff access for Sri Lankan textile exports, which he said positively affects local industries. Dissanayake also thanked the UK for its assistance during the debt restructuring process and after cyclone Ditwah. He updated the Deputy Prime Minister on the recovery efforts following the cyclone and mentioned the need for continued foreign exchange inflows. The President stressed the importance of international cooperation in sectors like tourism, exports, and foreign investment, expressing hope that the UK would play a key role in helping Sri Lanka stabilize its economy. In response, Deputy Prime Minister Lammy reaffirmed the UK’s strong and lasting relationship with Sri Lanka. He described their partnership, developed over many years, as close. He praised Sri Lanka’s recent economic and social reforms and promised the UK’s ongoing support for these initiatives.