The trade delegation arrived for a two-day scoping visit. The 13 companies and representatives from 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, along with key representatives of the Sri Lankan business community.

Speaking at the reception, the High Commissioner said, Sri Lanka has both historical and personal ties to the UK. Our relationship remains strong and the arrival of the very first trade delegation from Northern Ireland to Sri Lanka is a testament to the strengthening of this bond.

"I believe this delegation couldn’t have come at a better time than now. The end of the war has provided a boost to all business sectors of the economy and I believe that both Northern Ireland and Sri Lanka are have a lot in common, including shared experiences. This visit to the 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.”

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.