Sri Lanka Pitches Exports to London Buyers
A two-day outreach program in London brought Sri Lankan exporters and UK buyers together ahead of Sri Lanka Expo 2027.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Economic Indicators
The Sri Lanka Export Development Board ran a two-day business outreach in London on 21 and 22 October 2026, in collaboration with the Sri Lanka High Commission in the United Kingdom. The program featured a Business and Investment Forum attended by around 140 participants and bilateral business meetings the following day.
Why it matters
The initiative aims to expand market opportunities for Sri Lankan exports and promote investment prospects in the United Kingdom. It also sets up Sri Lanka Expo 2027, which is expected to connect exporters, manufacturers and service providers with international markets.
The Business and Investment Forum drew around 140 participants, while Sri Lanka's economy grew 5% in both 2024 and 2025 and its industrial sector expanded 7.8% in 2025. Foreign direct investment exceeded $1 billion in 2025, up 72%, but the outcomes of the bilateral meetings have not been disclosed.
The players
Sri Lanka Export Development Board
The Sri Lanka Export Development Board is the government agency responsible for promoting and developing the country's export sector.
Wasantha Samarasinghe
Wasantha Samarasinghe is Sri Lanka's Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development, who led the delegation to London.
Marks & Spencer
Marks & Spencer is a major British multinational retailer whose Head of Finance, Suraj Wijendra, participated in a panel discussion at the forum.
The details
The Sri Lankan delegation was led by Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe. A panel discussion included Marks & Spencer Head of Finance Suraj Wijendra, and the program also noted a Budget deficit equal to 2.3% of gross domestic product.
Timeline
21 October 2026: Business and Investment Forum and networking session held in London.
22 October 2026: Bilateral business meetings held in London.
14-17 January 2027: Sri Lanka Expo 2027 scheduled to take place.
Economic Indicators Context
The outreach follows Sri Lanka's reported 5% growth in 2024 and 2025, a recovery trend against which the 72% rise in foreign direct investment to over $1 billion in 2025 can be read. The program is positioned as a bridge to Sri Lanka Expo 2027, extending the Expo's export-promotion role into the United Kingdom buyer market.
Sri Lankan exporters seeking UK buyers now have a direct channel through the Export Development Board and the High Commission. UK businesses interested in Sri Lankan products or investment can look ahead to Sri Lanka Expo 2027 as a point of contact.
The takeaway
Trade outreach of this kind works best when it connects exporters with buyers before a major showcase, as the London forum and bilateral meetings did ahead of Expo 2027. Businesses on either side can prepare by identifying potential partners early.
What happens next
Sri Lanka Expo 2027 is scheduled for 14-17 January 2027, when exporters, manufacturers and service providers are expected to showcase products and meet international buyers.
Further reading
For broader context on the national figures cited, see our coverage of Economic Indicators.
Source note: This article includes information reported by FT Sri Lanka.
