June 15, Colombo (LNW): President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has concluded a significant diplomatic mission to the Federal Republic of Germany, marking his first official state visit to the European nation.
The visit, which took place from June 11, focused on advancing economic collaboration, enhancing political engagement, and showcasing Sri Lanka’s evolving development agenda.
The President’s tour followed an invitation extended by German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, who welcomed him with full ceremonial honours at Bellevue Palace in Berlin.
Their bilateral discussions revolved around mutual aspirations for closer ties, particularly in emerging sectors such as vocational education, sustainable tourism, and economic diversification.
In his meetings, President Dissanayake briefed German officials on the progress Sri Lanka has made towards economic stabilisation, political reform, and reconciliation. He expressed the nation’s commitment to creating a more robust and transparent economic environment conducive to international investment.
Notably, vocational training emerged as a priority theme, with both sides recognising the potential of skills development to support long-term economic recovery.
The President also held key talks with prominent members of the German government, including Foreign Minister Dr Johann Wadephul and Federal Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development Reem Alabali-Radovan.
These engagements provided a platform to discuss trade cooperation, bilateral assistance programmes, and Germany’s long-standing support for Sri Lanka’s development efforts. Particular appreciation was shown for landmark German-funded projects such as the Friendship Maternity Hospital in Galle and the Technical Training Institute in Kilinochchi.
President Dissanayake further explored avenues for collaboration in tourism by meeting representatives of Germany’s outbound tourism sector. He outlined Sri Lanka’s vision for a sustainable and resilient tourism industry, emphasising the government’s intent to strengthen workforce capacity, encourage responsible tourism investment, and ensure that growth in the sector aligns with the island’s ecological and cultural priorities.
Economic diplomacy was a cornerstone of the visit. At a business roundtable co-organised by the Sri Lankan Embassy in Berlin, the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DIHK), and the German Asia-Pacific Business Association (OAV), President Dissanayake addressed an audience of corporate leaders and investors. He outlined Sri Lanka’s commitment to regulatory reform, economic openness, and regional connectivity, encouraging German businesses to explore new opportunities in the island nation.
While in Berlin, Sri Lanka’s Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath met with Dr Thomas Steffen, State Secretary of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy. The discussions centred on Sri Lanka’s improved political stability and steps taken to attract foreign direct investment, reaffirming both countries’ shared interest in deeper economic cooperation.
Accompanying the President were senior government officials including Ambassador Varuni Muthukumarana, Director General for Europe and North America Sugeeshwara Gunaratna, and Board of Investment Chairman Arjuna Herath. Their presence underscored the administration’s intent to present a cohesive and forward-thinking development strategy to international partners.
