His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner (HMTC) for South Asia, Harjinder Kang, is visiting Colombo from 21 to 23 January 2025 to strengthen commercial ties between the UK and Sri Lanka. During his visit, Kang will meet with key officials from the Sri Lankan Government, including Industries and Entrepreneurship Development Minister Sunil Handunnetti, Finance and Planning Deputy Minister Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma, Western Province Governor Haniff Yousouf, and Presidential Economic Advisor Duminda Hulangamuwa.
Discussions will center on enhancing the UK-Sri Lanka trade relationship, facilitating business opportunities for UK companies, and exploring initiatives to support economic growth. Kang will also engage with UK-linked businesses, educational institutions, and the Council for Business with Britain, with a focus on sectors such as financial services, IT, education, manufacturing, logistics, and renewable energy.
Expressing enthusiasm for his visit, Kang emphasized the importance of strengthening economic partnerships and addressing market access barriers to boost bilateral trade. The UK remains a significant trading partner for Sri Lanka, with total trade valued at approximately £1.5 billion annually. The UK exports goods worth £359 million to Sri Lanka, while imports from Sri Lanka amount to £1.1 billion, making the UK Sri Lanka’s second-largest export market.
The UK Government and its Department for Business and Trade are committed to supporting UK businesses overseas and fostering stronger trade relations. Harjinder Kang, appointed as HMTC to South Asia in May 2023, brings extensive experience from his tenure at AstraZeneca and as the UK’s Chief Negotiator for the UK-India Free Trade Agreement.