In a historic first since assuming office in September 2024, President Anura
Kumara Dissanayake concluded a successful three-day state visit to Germany,
aimed at revitalizing diplomatic, economic, and development ties between Sri
Lanka and Europe’s leading economy. Invited by German President Frank-Walter
Steinmeier, the visit highlighted mutual commitments to strengthening
cooperation in trade, vocational education, tourism, and sustainable
development. With a focus on transparency, social equity, and modern economic
governance, President Dissanayake positioned Sri Lanka as an emerging partner
for European investment and collaboration.
A Diplomatic Welcome at the
Heart of Europe
President Dissanayake was
welcomed with full state honours on June 11 at Bellevue Palace in Berlin by
President Frank-Walter Steinmeier. The ceremonial reception, which included a
military guard of honour, symbolized Germany’s warm recognition of Sri Lanka’s
new leadership and renewed international engagement.
Bilateral talks followed the
formal reception, covering a wide array of topics including economic
cooperation, development aid, political reforms, and Sri Lanka’s stabilization
agenda under the leadership of the National People's Power (NPP) government. President
Steinmeier extended Germany’s continued support for Sri Lanka’s democratic and
institutional strengthening process.
Economic Diplomacy: Trade,
Investment, and Vocational Training
A cornerstone of the visit was
the Sri Lanka–Germany Business Forum hosted at the headquarters of the
German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DIHK). Attended by leading German
investors, trade officials, and members of the Sri Lankan delegation, the forum
provided a platform for Sri Lanka to present its new economic vision.
In his keynote address, President
Dissanayake emphasized the government’s commitment to creating a transparent,
inclusive, and investor-friendly economy. He encouraged German businesses
to explore opportunities in renewable energy, IT services, agro-processing, and
vocational training partnerships. Germany is currently one of Sri Lanka’s top
10 trading partners and a long-standing source of development cooperation.
Accompanying the President were
key figures from Sri Lanka’s economic leadership, including the Chairman of the
Board of Investment Arjuna Herath and Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath.
Discussions also focused on improving access to European markets, including
renewed dialogue on EU GSP+ benefits.
Tourism: Rebranding Sri Lanka
for Sustainable Growth
As part of the strategic
outreach, President Dissanayake met with leading German travel associations and
hospitality investors at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in Berlin. Germany is the fourth
largest source market for tourists to Sri Lanka, with over 136,000 arrivals
in 2024 and more than 69,000 visitors by May 2025 alone.
The President unveiled a new Sustainable
Tourism Vision for Sri Lanka, focused on:
- Environmental sustainability and cultural heritage
preservation
- Infrastructure modernization
- Upskilling and retaining tourism workforce
- Public-private partnerships to drive innovation and
safety in the sector
The government’s goal is to
position Sri Lanka not only as a leisure destination but also as a leading
eco-tourism hub in South Asia.
Development Cooperation:
Deepening Longstanding Ties
During a meeting with Germany’s
Development Minister Reem Alabali-Radovan, President Dissanayake thanked the
German government for its decades of support in areas such as vocational
training, healthcare, and post-war reconstruction. Specific projects—such as
the Galle maternity hospital and the vocational training institute in
Kilinochchi—were highlighted as models of impactful cooperation.
The two sides discussed expanding
technical training programs, especially in alignment with Germany’s dual
vocational education system. Sri Lanka sees this as a pathway to building a
skilled workforce for a modern economy.
Engaging the Sri Lankan
Diaspora in Germany
President Dissanayake met with
members of the Sri Lankan diaspora in Berlin, Frankfurt, and other major
cities. In a public address to the community, he outlined the government's
reform agenda, called for unity among expatriates, and invited diaspora professionals
to invest their knowledge and capital in Sri Lanka’s transformation.
The visit also served to build
trust among overseas Sri Lankans, many of whom have watched the country’s
political and economic evolution with caution. The President emphasized
reconciliation, equity, and integrity as core pillars of the new administration’s
governance.
A Balanced Foreign Policy in
Action
This German visit is part of
President Dissanayake’s broader foreign policy strategy of non-aligned
pragmatism, where Sri Lanka maintains strong ties with both Eastern and
Western powers. It follows his earlier visits to China, the United Arab
Emirates, and Vietnam—indicating the administration’s desire to rebuild global
partnerships on the basis of mutual respect, transparency, and accountability.
Conclusion: Repositioning Sri
Lanka on the Global Stage
President Anura Kumara
Dissanayake’s state visit to Germany marks a pivotal moment in Sri Lanka’s
diplomatic history. By focusing on trade, investment, tourism, education, and
good governance, the visit laid the foundation for a stronger and more strategic
Sri Lanka–Germany partnership.
It also demonstrated the
President’s commitment to steering the country away from past dependency and
crisis politics toward a model of inclusive, internationally engaged
governance. With global confidence rising, Sri Lanka is once again finding
its voice on the world stage—firmly rooted in democracy, dignity, and
development.
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