UK Deputy PM’s Visit Strengthens Global Confidence in Sri Lanka’s Recovery

COLOMBO (News 1st); President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has described the visit of the United Kingdom’s Deputy Prime Minister, David Lammy, as timely and significant, noting that it helps reinforce international confidence in Sri Lanka’s post-crisis recovery. 

He made these remarks during a meeting with Lammy, who also serves as the UK’s Secretary of State for Justice, and an accompanying delegation this morning (17) at the Presidential Secretariat.

Welcoming the Deputy Prime Minister, President Dissanayake said the visit comes at a particularly important moment as Sri Lanka continues to rebuild following the recent economic crisis and the impacts of cyclone Ditwah. He emphasised that such high-level engagement strengthens international confidence in the country’s path to recovery.

The President highlighted the long-standing friendship between Sri Lanka and the United Kingdom, especially the UK’s ongoing contributions to Sri Lanka’s economy through tourism and export markets. 

He expressed gratitude for the UK’s decision to grant zero-tariff access for Sri Lankan textile exports, noting its positive impact on local industries. 

He also acknowledged the support extended by the UK during the debt restructuring process and in the aftermath of cyclone Ditwah.

Updating the Deputy Prime Minister on the post-cyclone situation, President Dissanayake outlined ongoing recovery efforts and the need for sustained foreign exchange inflows. He underscored the importance of international cooperation in key sectors such as tourism, exports and foreign investment, expressing confidence that the United Kingdom can play a significant role in Sri Lanka’s continued economic stabilisation.

Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy reaffirmed the UK’s special and enduring ties with Sri Lanka, describing the relationship as a partnership built over many decades. 

He commended Sri Lanka’s recent economic and social reform initiatives and assured the UK’s continued support for these efforts. Lammy stated that the United Kingdom would remain supportive of Sri Lanka’s progress in reconciliation, human rights and democracy, and expressed backing for government programmes focused on post-war reconciliation and people-centred development. 

He also conveyed appreciation for Sri Lanka’s ongoing development initiatives, noting their emphasis on delivering tangible benefits to citizens, and reiterated the United Kingdom’s commitment to assisting these programmes.