Minister for the Indo-Pacific visits Sri Lanka with a
focus on boosting exports and economic growth.
- UK Minister for the Indo-Pacific set to meet with new Sri
Lankan government minsters as part of the first official visit of
new UK government.
- Minister will set out plans to strengthen UK-Sri Lanka
partnership – from inclusive economic growth, anti-corruption,
human rights to national reconciliation.
- The Minister will welcome new export initiatives set to
bolster UK-Sri Lanka trade.
Inclusive economic growth, anti-corruption, human rights and
national reconciliation are on the agenda as , Minister for Indo-Pacific
will meet Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya and other key
government ministers.
The visit marks the first ministerial visit to Sri Lanka since
the formation of new governments in both countries.
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 Minister will also travel to Jaffna to emphasise the 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.
Minister for Indo-Pacific, said:
I am so pleased to make my first official visit to Sri Lanka and
meet the new government so soon after they have taken office. I
have heard a lot about the country from my UK constituents of Sri
Lankan heritage; and I have experienced their warm
hospitality.
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.
The Minister will meet the British Council to discuss the growing
education partnership as Sri Lanka positions itself as regional
hub for transnational education (TNE).
UK High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Andrew Patrick said:
Minister Catherine West's visit marks an important moment – the
first meeting of our two new governments. To see the Minister
visit so soon after elections underscores the UK government's
commitment to strengthening our bilateral partnership. We'll see
lots of activity in the months ahead, as we work with the
government on their agenda of reform.
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.
Background
- The minister will meet with Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya
and Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath.
- The Developing Countries Trading Scheme cuts tariffs, removes
conditions and simplifies trading rules for 65 developing
countries.
