🇬🇧 UK Trade Envoy Lord Hannett visits Sri Lanka to boost bilateral trade & investment

The UK’s Trade Envoy to Sri Lanka, Lord Hannett of Everton, is visiting Colombo from June 17-19, 2026, to deepen economic ties following the recent introduction of enhanced zero-tariff access under the UK's Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS). • High-Level Engagements: Lord Hannett will hold discussions with Industries and Entrepreneurship Development Minister Sunil Handunetti, Deputy Minister Chathuranga Abeysinghe, and senior officials from the Export Development Board and Department of Commerce. Talks will focus on market access, Sri Lanka's economic reform agenda, and regulatory transparency to improve the ease of doing business. • Sector Focus & Key Industry Interactions: - Apparel & textiles: Special focus on how Sri Lanka’s largest export sector to the UK is maximizing the newly enforced zero-tariff benefits under the DCTS. - SMEs & Entrepreneurs: Meetings with Sri Lankan SME exporters and young entrepreneurs to review UK-funded support helping them enter the British market. - Education: Strategic engagement with the higher education sector, emphasizing the role of UK institutions in enhancing Sri Lanka's skills and employability. • Commercial & Investment Briefing: The Envoy will meet with the Council for Business with Britain and visit major UK brands and institutions operating locally, including HSBC, Unilever, Coats Thread Exports, Land Rover (Access Motors), Ryse Energy, and The Body Shop, spanning retail, clean energy, manufacturing, and technology.