In a significant diplomatic engagement, UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan pledged to elevate long-term bilateral relations with Sri Lanka, highlighting key sectors such as energy, tourism, foreign investment, and foreign employment.
The high-level UAE delegation met with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake at the Presidential Secretariat during an official visit aimed at reinforcing economic and political ties between the two countries.
Sheikh Abdullah extended warm congratulations to the new Sri Lankan administration, expressing the UAE’s firm support for its development agenda. He lauded President Dissanayake’s positive approach and commitment to rebuilding Sri Lanka, emphasizing the UAE’s readiness to back these efforts.
President Dissanayake, in response, stated that Sri Lanka has entered a new era of investor-friendliness. “We have created a conducive and transparent environment for investment. The past practices that discouraged investments will not be repeated. Legal provisions will ensure the protection of all foreign investments,” he assured.
He further outlined Sri Lanka’s current economic trajectory, including ongoing debt restructuring and the government’s comprehensive plan to restore economic stability. The President invited UAE investors to explore opportunities in port terminal development, Colombo Port City, the tourism industry, renewable energy, and transport infrastructure.
“Our goal is to transform Sri Lanka into the region’s most attractive investment hub and tourism destination,” he declared.
Also present at the meeting were Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando, Deputy Minister of Labor and Economic Development; Roshan Gamage, Senior Additional Secretary to the President; and a senior UAE delegation including Ahmed Al Sayy, Minister of State; Saeed Al Hajeri, Assistant Minister of Economy and Trade; Abdullah Belala, Assistant Minister of Energy and Sustainable Affairs; Ahmed Burhaimah, Deputy Chief of Staff to the Minister of Foreign Affairs; Khalid Al Ameri, UAE Ambassador to Sri Lanka; Muath Al Wari, Director of Policy at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; and Maitha Al Mysori, Senior Media Specialist.
The meeting marked a turning point in Sri Lanka’s post-crisis economic diplomacy, signaling its readiness to engage with the world on a stronger, more confident footing.
