The Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Türkiye, Niluka Kadurugamuwa met with the Deputy Minister of Trade of Türkiye, Mustafa Tuzcu, on 10 September 2026 to discuss opportunities for further strengthening bilateral trade and economic cooperation between Sri Lanka and Türkiye.
The discussion focused on the strong potential for expanding bilateral trade towards the target of USD 500 million as agreed by the Joint Economic Commission framework, the advantages of sourcing from Sri Lanka and the diverse opportunities available for Turkish businesses and investors in Sri Lanka, and the country’s attractive investment incentives regime. Further, convening the 4th session of the Sri Lanka–Türkiye Joint Economic Commission in Ankara in 2027 was seen as an important step towards maintaining the momentum of bilateral economic cooperation.
Particular attention of the Turkish Deputy Minister was drawn to a few issues pertaining to Sri Lankan exports and the resultant challenges faced by the exporters. The Ambassador elaborated the importance of addressing these concerns, particularly given Türkiye’s status as a significant market for Sri Lanka.
The Deputy Minister highlighted the potential to further increase bilateral trade, supported by direct air connectivity between Istanbul and Colombo, and identified construction and tourism as sectors offering significant opportunities for Turkish investors and businesses in Sri Lanka. He further agreed to facilitate efforts to encourage potential Turkish investors and traders to explore these opportunities in the island. With regard to the exports, Deputy Minister Tuzcu undertook to further consider Sri Lanka’s special concerns.
The Ambassador was accompanied to the meeting by Nilusha Dilmini, Minister and Dilanga Hettiarachchi, First Secretary (Commercial) of the Embassy.
Embassy of Sri Lanka
Ankara
12 September 2026