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Sri Lanka Steps Up UK Investment Drive Ahead of EXPO 2027

News October 28, 2026 0

Sri Lanka has intensified efforts to attract British investment and expand export opportunities through a series of business engagements in London and Dover ahead of Sri Lanka EXPO 2027, scheduled to be held in Colombo from January 14 to 17. Organised by the Sri Lankan High Commission in London, the programme brought together British investors, business leaders and representatives of key trade organisations to explore opportunities for stronger commercial ties between the two countries. The main event, the UK–Sri Lanka Trade and Investment Forum, was held at the High Commission and attracted more than 130 participants. A high-level Sri Lankan delegation led by Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development Wasantha Samarasinghe attended the forum. Addressing the gathering, Samarasinghe invited British businesses to explore Sri Lanka’s export potential and investment opportunities, highlighting the benefits available under the United Kingdom’s Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS). Sri Lankan High Commissioner to the UK Nimal Senadheera emphasised the importance of strengthening bilateral trade and investment relations, while promoting EXPO 2027 as a platform for establishing new business partnerships. Export Development Board Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Mangala Wijesinghe presented an overview of Sri Lanka EXPO 2027, outlining opportunities for international buyers and investors. Participants discussed potential avenues for sourcing Sri Lankan products, expanding commercial links with UK buyers and attracting foreign investment. Representatives from Marks & Spencer, the Board of Investment of Sri Lanka, the Ministry of Industries and Entrepreneurship Development and the private sector also took part in the discussions. Investment prospects in Port City Colombo, real estate and other sectors were among the opportunities highlighted during the programme. The Sri Lankan delegation also met representatives of the UK–Sri Lanka Chamber of Commerce to discuss ways to strengthen business cooperation and encourage greater British participation in EXPO 2027. In addition, the delegation held discussions with Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council Chief Executive Samantha Cohen on connecting Sri Lankan businesses with international investors through Commonwealth business networks. The programme concluded with a business networking event in Dover, jointly organised with RS Rock Holdings, which attracted more than 30 UK business representatives, including potential investors. According to the Sri Lankan High Commission, the engagements were aimed at building stronger commercial partnerships and encouraging British buyers, investors and business representatives to visit Colombo for EXPO 2027. The High Commission expressed confidence that the exhibition would create further opportunities to expand trade, attract investment and strengthen economic cooperation between Sri Lanka and the United Kingdom.

Landowner Arrested Over Deaths of Two Elephants in Rambewa

News October 28, 2026 0

A landowner has been arrested in connection with the deaths of two wild elephants that were electrocuted by an illegal electric fence in Rambewa, the Ministry of Environment has announced. The two elephants were found dead in Aluthgama village, within the Pilinigama Grama Niladhari Division No. 90, following information received by a Wildlife Range Assistant. Post-mortem examinations conducted on Tuesday (27) by Pandulagama Wildlife Veterinary Officer Dr. Maduwanthi confirmed that the elephants had died after coming into contact with an unauthorised electric wire, according to the ministry. Officers from the Department of Wildlife Conservation arrested the owner of the land where the incident occurred on Tuesday evening. The suspect is scheduled to be produced before the Medawachchiya Magistrate’s Court yesterday (28), the ministry said.

US Ambassador and PM Harini Discuss Strengthening Sri Lanka–US Relations

News October 28, 2026 0

US Ambassador to Sri Lanka Eric Meyer has held discussions with Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya on strengthening bilateral ties and expanding cooperation between the two countries. In a post on X, Ambassador Meyer said the talks focused on building upon the existing partnership through educational exchanges, commercial opportunities, disaster preparedness and innovation. The discussions covered ways to strengthen the bilateral Fulbright Commission, identify new business opportunities and expand the Peace Corps programme in Sri Lanka. Both sides also explored opportunities to improve disaster preparedness and encourage innovation through academic exchanges, emphasising the role of education and knowledge-sharing in deepening cooperation. Ambassador Meyer said he looked forward to building on the progress made during the discussions and further advancing the partnership between the United States and Sri Lanka.

38 Reservoirs Spill Across Sri Lanka as Flooding Continues in Low-Lying Areas

News October 28, 2026 0

A total of 38 medium and large-scale reservoirs under the Department of Irrigation are currently spilling, while elevated water levels continue to affect several rivers and low-lying areas across Sri Lanka, an irrigation official said. Director of Irrigation (Hydrology and Disaster Management) L.S. Sooriyabandara said reservoirs such as Deduru Oya, Rajanganaya, Inginimitiya, Yan Oya and Usgala Siyambalangamuwa were recording comparatively high spill levels. Although no immediate threat of major flooding had been identified under the prevailing conditions, water levels in several reservoirs and rivers remained high, he said. Rainfall eased yesterday, with some areas in the upper catchments of the Kalu and Kelani rivers recording around 60 millimetres. Certain locations in the upper Kelani River catchment received approximately 40 millimetres, according to the Irrigation Department. Water levels in the upper reaches of most rivers are gradually receding. However, minor flooding persists in low-lying areas along the Nilwala, Gin, Kalu and Kelani rivers. Sooriyabandara said water levels along the Nilwala River remained around minor flood thresholds downstream of Akuressa, particularly in Thalgahagoda and areas near Matara. Similar conditions were reported in Baddegama along the Gin River. Elevated water levels were also observed at Millakanda, Putupawula and Ellagawa along the Kalu River. He cautioned that further rises could affect low-lying areas of the Kalutara District if additional rainfall occurs. Meanwhile, water levels in the upper reaches of the Kelani River and Attanagalu Oya are gradually declining. Nevertheless, floodwater may continue to affect low-lying areas in the Gampaha District, including Katana and Ja-Ela. The Irrigation Department has forecast moderate rainfall today and warned that river levels and water levels in flood-prone areas could rise again if further precipitation occurs. The public has been advised to refrain from bathing, engaging in water sports and undertaking other potentially dangerous activities in areas where floodwaters remain.

News

Sri Lanka Steps Up UK Investment Drive Ahead of EXPO 2027

Landowner Arrested Over Deaths of Two Elephants in Rambewa

US Ambassador and PM Harini Discuss Strengthening Sri Lanka–US Relations

Cabinet Approves Rs. 5 Million Compensation for Prison Officers Killed or Disabled in Negombo Prison Clashes

About us

Quick Links

The latest

Sri Lanka Steps Up UK Investment Drive Ahead of EXPO 2027

Landowner Arrested Over Deaths of Two Elephants in Rambewa

US Ambassador and PM Harini Discuss Strengthening Sri Lanka–US Relations

38 Reservoirs Spill Across Sri Lanka as Flooding Continues in Low-Lying Areas

Showers Expected in Several Parts of Sri Lanka as Cyclone Arnab Makes Landfall in India

Treasury and Postal Dept Cyber Scams Deepens Crisis, Taxpayers Face another Bill

Former President RW Warns Sri Lanka Risks Irrelevance without Tech Reforms