Northern Ireland trade delegation arrives in Lanka

The first trade delegation from Northern Ireland arrived in Sri Lanka on Monday for a two-day visit. The 13 companies and representatives from the two universities met government officials, local business community and Chambers of Commerce.

British High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, John Rankin, hosted the delegation at his residence on the same day along with key representatives of the Sri Lankan business community. The High Commissioner welcoming the delegation said, “Sri Lanka has historical and personal ties with the UK.

Our relationship remains strong and the arrival of the very first trade delegation from Northern Ireland to Sri Lanka is testament to the strengthening of this bond. I believe this delegation could not have come at a better time. The end of terrorism has provided a boost to all business sectors and I believe that Northern Ireland and Sri Lanka have a lot in common, including shared experiences.

This visit to Sri Lankan market may be the first for many of the Northern Ireland delegates here this evening, but I’m sure it won’t be the last. As I have discovered already, Sri Lanka is a great place to make friends.

The UK Trade and Investment (UKTI), the commercial arm of the British High Commission, works to increase bilateral trade between the two countries.

The UK is Sri Lanka’s second largest trade partner by volume, after India and the second largest FDI contributor after China.