Sri Lanka’s President Dissanayake Embarks on First Middle East Trip for World Governments Summit 2025

Colombo, February 10, 2025 – Sri Lanka’s newly elected president, Anura Kumara Dissanayake, embarked on his first Middle East trip on Monday, heading to Dubai to participate in the prestigious World Governments Summit 2025. The summit brings together global leaders, policymakers, and experts to discuss pressing issues such as governance, public policy, and the future of governments.

Dissanayake, who assumed the presidency in September 2024 amid a severe economic crisis that has plagued Sri Lanka since 2022, will be accompanied by Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath. His visit to Dubai comes as Sri Lanka seeks to build stronger international ties and recover from the impacts of the crisis, which included austerity measures under a bailout agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Since taking office, President Dissanayake has made two notable foreign trips: one to India in December, where he met with Indian leaders including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu, and another to China, where he held talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

In Dubai, Dissanayake is expected to address the World Governments Summit and participate in high-level discussions. Alongside his summit activities, the president will hold bilateral meetings with UAE leadership and oversee the signing of several key agreements.

Key highlights of the visit include:

• Agreements on fuel and gas purchases, power and energy projects, and trade and investment.
• The establishment of a joint commission between Sri Lanka and the UAE.
• Negotiations on favorable terms for Sri Lanka’s fuel and gas imports.
• Promoting job opportunities for Sri Lankan expatriates in the UAE.
• Discussions on increasing exports of Sri Lankan tea and gems, as well as boosting tourism and education.

Sri Lanka is also aiming to foster stronger economic ties with the UAE, with a particular focus on attracting more investment and promoting tourism. The president is set to meet with Sri Lanka’s vibrant diaspora in Dubai, home to over 350,000 Sri Lankans, to strengthen connections with the expatriate community.

This trip marks an important step in Dissanayake’s efforts to secure international partnerships that will aid Sri Lanka’s recovery and long-term development.