Sri Lanka, Ireland trade on the rise

Shirajiv Sirimane

The Sri Lanka - Ireland bilateral trade volume has demonstrated an upward trend in recent years. “Sri Lanka's major exports to Ireland include garments, retreaded tyres, tea, coconut and leather products. Major imports from Ireland include chemical and plastic products, machinery and pharmaceutical products.

The Sri Lanka Chambers should forge links with their Irish counterparts in a bid to enhance cooperation between the business communities of the two countries,” Consumer Affairs Senior Minister S B Nawinna said.

Speaking at the National Day reception hosted by the Consulate of Ireland, he added that with the dawn of peace in Sri Lanka, tourist arrivals from Ireland have increased in the recent past.

“There is considerable potential to promote tourism between the two countries. ‘It is important that tour operators in Ireland explore Sri Lanka as a tourist destination having a diverse range of attractions to offer.”

“Ireland's contribution towards the advancement of education in Sri Lanka, remains a strong link between the two countries.”

“With the end of the protracted terrorist conflict and restoration of normalcy in Sri Lanka, I believe it is opportune to explore new avenues for the further expansion of our relations in investment, trade, political and education spheres.

“In the post conflict environment, Sri Lanka had already initiated a number of projects related to infrastructure development in the areas of transport, telecommunication, health and tourism.

“There is enormous potential for investments from Ireland and I encourage Irish investors to make use of this positive business environment. “I'm pleased to note that Sri Lankan businessmen and professionals have started businesses in Ireland, particularly in the hotel and education sectors.

“I also acknowledge the contribution being made by Ambassador Feilim McLaughlin, and also Manic Perera, Honorary Consul of Ireland, towards the strengthening of ties of friendship and economic cooperation between Sri Lanka and Ireland.

Feilim McLaughlin Ambassador of Ireland, said that he had up-dated the Irish business community on the opportunities available for investments in Sri Lanka. “We expect even better economic relations in the future,” he concluded.