Sri Lanka is seeking to widen cooperation with Germany across trade, investment, tourism and education, Finance and Planning Deputy Minister Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando said at a German Unity Day reception in Colombo on Monday, 26 October.
Fernando reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s commitment to closer economic cooperation and to opening new areas of collaboration, the Daily FT reported, citing the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development.
The existing relationship
The figures set out at the reception describe a relationship already substantial in both directions.
Germany is Sri Lanka’s fourth-largest export market, with exports exceeding $700 million in 2025. More than 160 German companies operate in Sri Lanka.
Germany was also Sri Lanka’s fourth-largest tourism source market in 2025, sending 147,966 arrivals — a notable figure as the government pursues a five-million-arrival target by 2030.
More than 120,000 Sri Lankans live in Germany. The two countries established diplomatic relations in 1953.
Cooperation beyond trade
Fernando acknowledged the role of the Delegation of German Industry and Commerce (AHK Sri Lanka) and the Sri Lanka-Germany Business Council in building business partnerships.
He thanked Germany for its support following Cyclone Ditwah, and welcomed the recent visit to Sri Lanka of the German Parliamentary Friendship Group for South Asia.
German support has also extended to development cooperation, education and vocational training, including through the Ceylon German Technical Training Institute.
The reception was attended by German Ambassador Dr. Felix Neumann.
Not reported
The filing records no new agreement, funding commitment or signed instrument. It does not specify which sectors the proposed expanded cooperation would cover, name a timeline, or give Sri Lanka’s import figures from Germany — only the export side of the trade balance is stated.