Sri Lanka UAE energy cooperation entered a renewed phase after senior officials from both countries reviewed progress on bilateral initiatives, with discussions centring on energy security, strategic infrastructure and the proposed Trincomalee regional energy hub.
Sri Lanka UAE energy cooperation advances with Trincomalee hub focus
Sri Lanka and the United Arab Emirates have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral collaboration in the energy sector, signalling a stronger strategic alignment at a time when regional energy security has become an overriding priority. The renewed engagement follows a high-level meeting between UAE Ambassador to Sri Lanka Khaled Nasser Al Ameri and Minister of Power and Energy Eng. Kumara Jayakody, where both sides reviewed ongoing cooperation and explored new avenues for partnership.
The discussions placed particular emphasis on translating previous understandings into measurable outcomes. Officials acknowledged that while frameworks and agreements have been established in recent years, timely execution remains critical as Sri Lanka accelerates its transition towards a more resilient and diversified energy system. Against this backdrop, the dialogue reflected a shared sense of urgency to convert diplomatic goodwill into operational projects.
A central theme of the meeting was the proposed development of Trincomalee as a regional energy hub. The eastern port city has long been recognised for its strategic location along key Indian Ocean shipping lanes, and recent initiatives have elevated its importance in regional planning. Officials reviewed progress related to the tripartite Memorandum of Understanding signed last year between Sri Lanka, India and the UAE, which outlines cooperation on energy-related infrastructure and logistics in and around Trincomalee.
The agreement envisages Trincomalee emerging as a focal point for energy storage, supply and distribution, serving both domestic needs and regional markets. During the talks, attention was given to the practical steps required to operationalise this vision. These included coordination mechanisms among stakeholders, investment frameworks that align public and private interests, and realistic timelines to ensure momentum is maintained.
Beyond Trincomalee, Sri Lanka UAE energy cooperation was discussed within the wider context of regional energy security. Both parties noted that global volatility, supply chain disruptions and shifting geopolitical dynamics have underscored the importance of reliable and diversified energy partnerships. In this environment, collaboration between Sri Lanka and the UAE is increasingly viewed as mutually beneficial, combining Sri Lanka’s strategic geography with the UAE’s technical expertise and investment capacity.
The UAE reiterated its willingness to support Sri Lanka’s energy objectives through a combination of technical know-how, strategic investment and long-term partnerships. This support aligns with Sri Lanka’s broader efforts to modernise its energy infrastructure, improve reliability and ensure that future demand is met sustainably. UAE participation is also seen as enhancing investor confidence, particularly for large-scale projects with regional significance.
Minister Jayakody emphasised Sri Lanka’s commitment to strengthening international partnerships as a cornerstone of national energy planning. He highlighted the importance of attracting credible partners who can contribute not only capital but also experience in managing complex infrastructure projects. Such collaboration, he noted, is essential for stabilising supply and supporting economic growth over the long term.
Ambassador Al Ameri, in turn, reaffirmed the UAE’s interest in expanding its role as a key partner in Sri Lanka’s energy sector. Building on longstanding diplomatic ties and existing cooperation, the UAE sees opportunities to deepen engagement in ways that support Sri Lanka’s development goals while advancing regional connectivity.
The meeting also reflects Colombo’s broader diplomatic and economic strategy of positioning itself as an emerging energy and logistics hub in the Indian Ocean. By leveraging strategic partnerships and its geographic advantages, Sri Lanka aims to enhance energy security, attract investment and strengthen its role in regional supply networks. The renewed focus on Sri Lanka UAE energy cooperation suggests that these ambitions are increasingly aligned with the interests of key regional and global partners.