President AKD meets visiting UK Dy. PM

2026-02-17 - 16:07

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake emphasised the visit of the United Kingdom’s Deputy Prime Minister, David Lammy, as timely and significant, noting that it helps reinforce international confidence in Sri Lanka’s recovery and underlines the importance of the visit at this juncture. The President made these remarks during a meeting with David Lammy, Deputy Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and Secretary of State for Justice and the delegates, this morning (Feb. 17) at the Presidential Secretariat. Welcoming the Deputy Prime Minister, the President Dissanayake noted that the visit comes at a particularly significant moment, as Sri Lanka continues to rebuild following the recent economic crisis and the impacts of cyclone Ditwah. He stated that such high-level engagement helps reinforce international confidence in Sri Lanka’s recovery and underlined the importance of the visit at this juncture. The President emphasised the long-standing friendship between Sri Lanka and the United Kingdom, highlighting the UK’s continued contribution to Sri Lanka’s economy, particularly through tourism and export markets. He expressed special appreciation for the United Kingdom’s decision to grant zero-tariff access for Sri Lankan textile exports, noting its positive impact on local industries. The President also gratefully acknowledged the support extended by the United Kingdom during the debt restructuring process and in the aftermath of cyclone Ditwah. Briefing the Deputy Prime Minister on