The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, announced that the UAE will prioritize energy, tourism, foreign investment, and foreign employment in efforts to elevate its long-standing bilateral relationship with Sri Lanka to its highest level.
This statement was made during a meeting held today (April 22) at the Presidential Secretariat with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. Sheikh Abdullah is currently leading a high-level UAE delegation on an official visit to Sri Lanka aimed at further strengthening the strategic partnership and exploring mutual economic benefits.
During the meeting, the Deputy Prime Minister conveyed the best wishes of the UAE and its people to the new administration in Sri Lanka. He assured President Dissanayake of the UAE’s full support for the government’s new development program. Sheikh Abdullah also commended the President’s dedication, efforts, and positive stance towards fostering strong UAE-Sri Lanka ties, particularly in the context of Sri Lanka’s ongoing national reconstruction.
President Dissanayake, in his remarks, emphasized that Sri Lanka has now established a favorable environment for investment. He affirmed that the mistakes of the past—where investment was discouraged—will not be repeated and that necessary legal frameworks will be put in place to ensure the protection of investors.
The President provided a detailed overview of the country’s debt restructuring process and the measures being implemented to restore economic stability. He also outlined key investment opportunities in several sectors, including port terminal development, the Port City project, tourism, energy, and transportation.
Highlighting the government’s vision, President Dissanayake stated that the ultimate goal is to position Sri Lanka as the region’s premier investment hub and leading tourist destination.
The meeting was also attended by several high-ranking officials from both countries, including:
- Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando, Deputy Minister of Labor and Economic Development
- Roshan Gamage, Senior Additional Secretary to the President
- Ahmed Al Sayy, Minister of State, UAE
- Saeed Al Hajeri, Assistant Minister of Economy and Trade
- Abdullah Belala, Assistant Minister of Energy and Sustainable Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- Ahmed Barhaimah, Deputy Chief of Staff to the Minister of Foreign Affairs
- Khalid Al Ameri, UAE Ambassador to Sri Lanka
- Muath Al Wari, Director of the Policy Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- Maitha Al Mysori, Senior Specialist on Media and Content, Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
- Officials from the Department of Asian and Pacific Affairs
Presidential Media Division
Date: 2025-04-22
