UK envoy urges Sri Lanka businesses to leverage DCTS for export diversification, highlighting the opportunities available through the United Kingdom’s preferential trade scheme to expand exports and deepen bilateral economic ties.
UK envoy urges Sri Lanka businesses to leverage DCTS for export diversification and trade growth
British High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Andrew Patrick has called on Sri Lankan businesses to make greater use of the Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS), describing it as one of the world’s most generous trade preference programmes that offers zero-tariff access for eligible Sri Lankan exports to the UK market.
Addressing the 26th Annual General Meeting of The Council for Business with Britain (CBB) of The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce in Colombo, Patrick said the latest reforms introduced in January 2026 provide a significant boost to Sri Lanka’s apparel industry by expanding preferential market access and improving the competitiveness of local exporters.
He encouraged businesses to maximise the benefits available under the Developing Countries Trading Scheme, noting that the scheme creates new opportunities to diversify export products, increase bilateral trade and further strengthen the long-standing economic partnership between the United Kingdom and Sri Lanka.
The annual meeting brought together business leaders, exporters and stakeholders committed to enhancing trade and investment relations between the two countries. Patrick’s remarks come as Sri Lanka continues to seek greater export diversification and expand access to international markets to support economic growth.
The focus on expanding Sri Lanka exports is expected to be particularly important for sectors such as apparel, which remains one of the country’s largest foreign exchange earners. Enhanced tariff preferences under the DCTS are expected to improve the competitiveness of Sri Lankan manufacturers in the UK market while creating new opportunities for export-led growth.
During the meeting, Ameena Ziauddin, Managing Director of Norfolk Foods, was elected President of the Council for Business with Britain for the 2026–2027 term.
Shiluka Goonewardene, Principal and Head of Deal Advisory at KPMG in Sri Lanka, assumed office as Senior Vice President, while Fadhil Jiffry, Chief Financial Officer of LSEG, was elected Vice President. Krystle Reid Wijesuriya, Chief Executive Officer of We Are Team Rocket, was elected Treasurer. Immediate Past President Mark Surgenor, CEO of HSBC Sri Lanka, will continue to serve on the Committee.
The newly elected Committee for 2026–2027 includes representatives from Aitken Spence Travels, GTN Technologies, Hayleys PLC, Hilton Colombo Residences, John Keells Holdings PLC, MAS Holdings, Ocean Pick, Point to Point Consulting, Unilever Sri Lanka and Wilton Metal Box Company.
In addition, Asanthi Fernando, Head of Trade and Investment at the British High Commission, Sanath Manatunge, Chief Executive Officer of Commercial Bank of Ceylon PLC, Hannah Wells, Principal of The British School in Colombo, and Orlando Edwards, Country Director of the British Council Sri Lanka, will serve on the Committee by invitation. Shirendra Lawrence, Roshanie Moraes and Tania Polonnowita were appointed to the Advisory Committee.
Reflecting on the Council’s achievements, outgoing President Mark Surgenor highlighted the continued expansion of bilateral trade, supported by the Developing Countries Trading Scheme, which has enhanced market access opportunities for Sri Lankan exporters.
Newly elected President Ameena Ziauddin reaffirmed her commitment to strengthening the Council as a platform for business collaboration. She also highlighted the success of the Council’s NextGen Committee, the first initiative of its kind under a Sri Lankan business council, which has created opportunities for young professionals and entrepreneurs to engage with the business community while supporting the development of future business leaders.
The UK envoy urges Sri Lanka businesses to leverage DCTS for export diversification message reinforces the importance of fully utilising preferential trade access as Sri Lanka seeks to broaden its export base, strengthen international competitiveness and deepen commercial ties with one of its key trading partners.