Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya met with Ms. Pamela Rosemarie Coke-Hamilton, Executive Director of the International Trade Centre (ITC), on March 12th , at the Parliament of Sri Lanka.
During the meeting both parties engaged with the discussion of key economic priorities, including digital transformation, SME development, and women’s economic empowerment. The meeting underscored the importance of inclusive economic growth through digitalization, enhanced market access, and strengthened institutional frameworks.
Discussions focused on integrating small and medium enterprises (SMEs) into the broader economy, enabling greater participation of youth and women, and implimenting investment-friendly policies to ensure long-term economic stability. The Prime Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to strengthening the rural economy, identifying key sectors such as tourism, exports, energy, IT, education, and technical and vocational education and training (TVET). Strengthening partnerships with the ITC and the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) was recognized as vital for boosting exports, particularly in organic products.
The meeting also set the stage for further collaboration, with Sri Lanka’s participation in the upcoming Global Summit in July expected to advance these discussions.
The meeting was attended by senior representatives from the United Nations, the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB), and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, including Ms. Sagarika Bogahawatta, Additional Secretary to the Prime Minister, and Mr. Dharshana M. Perera, Senior Director General, Economic Affairs (Bilateral) Division at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
