In 2010, the UK was Sri Lanka’s second largest trading partner, by volume. Sri Lanka exported over a billion US dollars worth of goods to the UK.
The UK exported goods to Sri Lanka worth almost 200 million dollars and even greater value in terms of services, such as education and financial services, the statement said.
There are over 100 companies in the Sri Lankan market, with strong trading links with the UK. The UK Border Agency will have special arrangements for company members of the scheme, a British high commission statement said.
This will include, for an additional fee, expediting the processing of UK business visitor visa applications for company employees.
The high commission did not name the 20 companies which are members of the pilot Business Express Programme.
Business visitor visa applications made by