Sri Lankan President Anura Dissanayake's First Middle East Trip for Economic and Trade Expansion at the World Governments Summit

Sri Lankan President Anura Dissanayake's First Middle East Trip for Economic and Trade Expansion at the World Governments Summit

Colombo: Sri Lanka's new president, Anura Kumara Dissanayake, embarked on his first Middle East trip on Monday, where he will participate in the 2025 World Governments Summit in Dubai.

Since the 2022 economic crisis, the country has been on a path of reconstruction and has implemented strict austerity measures under an agreement with the International Monetary Fund. Anura Kumara Dissanayake assumed office as Sri Lanka's president in September 2024.

So far, he has made two international trips: one to India, where he met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Droupadi Murmu, and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar; and another to China, where he held discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

During his Dubai trip, Dissanayake will address the World Governments Summit, where global leaders, policymakers, and experts will discuss global governance, public policy, and the future of governments.

Accompanied by Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath, he will hold bilateral meetings with the top leadership of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and participate in the signing of several agreements.

Sri Lanka's Foreign Ministry stated, "Sri Lanka is prepared to sign agreements on oil and gas purchases, energy projects, and trade and investment... A joint commission between Sri Lanka and the UAE will be established."

Additionally, Sri Lanka's government aims to create employment opportunities for Sri Lankan expatriate workers, promote tourism, and improve the education sector.

Sri Lanka hopes to increase the export of tea and gems from the UAE and attract tourists. During the visit, the president is also expected to meet with the Sri Lankan diaspora living in the UAE.