On March 23, 2026, the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) focused on Sri Lanka convened an informal briefing at the UK Parliament to examine the nation’s economic prospects and the bilateral relationship between the UK and Sri Lanka. The primary aim of this gathering was to review analytical findings regarding Sri Lanka’s debt challenges and economic reforms, presented by ODI Global, a prominent UK-based public affairs think tank. The meeting was led by Andrew Snowdon MP, who serves as the Chair of the APPG.
During his introductory comments, Nimal Senadheera, Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, highlighted the nation’s advancements in stabilizing its economy in the aftermath of the 2022 debt crisis. He emphasized the critical need for ongoing cooperation with global partners, including multilateral and bilateral institutions such as the UK, while acknowledging the government’s persistent efforts to tackle complications arising from current global challenges.
Dr. Ganeshan Wignaraja, a Visiting Senior Fellow at ODI Global, along with Professor Dirk Willem te Velde from the same organization, contributed valuable insights into Sri Lanka’s economic recovery process. They discussed potential opportunities for enhancing resilience and identified areas where international collaboration and policy initiatives could further facilitate the country’s economic transition. Dr. Wignaraja specifically pointed out the increasing prospects for UK investments in Sri Lanka’s renewable energy and financial sectors, noting their capacity for long-term growth and partnership. Additionally, Phyllis Papadavid, a Senior Fellow at ODI Global, stressed that achieving macroeconomic stability, implementing structural reforms, and fostering investor confidence are essential components for ensuring sustainable development in Sri Lanka.
