UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Minister for the Indo-Pacific, Anne-Marie Trevelyan, arrived in Sri Lanka today for a three-day visit. This visit commemorates the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries and marks Minister Trevelyan’s first official trip to Sri Lanka in her current role.
A key highlight of her visit is her participation in the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) Ministerial meeting hosted by Sri Lanka. During the meeting, she will emphasize the UK’s commitment to the Indo-Pacific region and work towards strengthening IORA’s efforts in climate mitigation.
The visit also places a strong emphasis on environmental and climate issues. Minister Trevelyan will highlight the UK’s support for Sri Lanka’s environmental initiatives, particularly those related to biodiversity objectives and the Glasgow Pact. She will also stress the role of regional forums such as IORA in advancing shared objectives, including enhanced security in the Indian Ocean region and collaborative climate goals.
While in Colombo, Minister Trevelyan will engage in discussions with key members of the Sri Lankan government, including President Ranil Wickremesinghe and Foreign Minister Ali Sabry. These discussions will encompass a wide range of topics, including climate finance, green growth, bilateral trade, human rights, justice reform, and opportunities to strengthen diplomatic relations between the UK and Sri Lanka. She will also hold meetings with representatives from the business community and civil society.
Minister Trevelyan’s itinerary extends to Jaffna, located in the Northern Province, where she will meet with Governor P. S. M. Charles, regional parliamentarians, civil society representatives, and local business leaders. Additionally, her visit to a landmine clearance site in Muhamalai, which receives support from the UK’s Conflict, Security, and Stability Fund (CSSF), underscores the UK’s commitment to peacebuilding and demining efforts in Sri Lanka.
Minister Anne-Marie Trevelyan’s visit signifies the strong and enduring partnership between the UK and Sri Lanka, commemorating 75 years of diplomatic relations. It highlights their shared commitment to addressing pressing global challenges such as climate change and fostering regional security and stability in the Indian Ocean.