Aperçu
The British High Commission in Colombo maintains UK's partnership with Sri Lanka and also serves Maldives, supporting bilateral cooperation on political dialogue, trade and investment, development assistance, climate resilience, education and cultural exchanges, and consular services to British nationals across both countries. UK-Sri Lanka relations benefit from Commonwealth membership, historical connections from British colonial period creating English language legacy and institutional frameworks, substantial Sri Lankan Tamil diaspora in UK creating people-to-people ties, and cooperation on shared priorities including climate change adaptation, democratic governance, reconciliation following civil war, and economic development.Lire plusLire moins
Services de Visa
UK visa services for Sri Lankan nationals operate through VFS Global commercial partner with application center in Colombo. British nationals visiting Sri Lanka obtain Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) online before arrival for tourism and business visits. The high commission provides guidance on Sri Lankan visa requirements and immigration procedures.Lire plusLire moins
Services Consulaires
The British High Commission provides consular assistance to British nationals in Sri Lanka and Maldives including emergency travel documents for lost, stolen, or damaged passports, limited notarial services (as Commonwealth country, certain notarial acts unavailable), support for British nationals in distress, assistance for victims of crime, and guidance for medical emergencies. Emergency consular contact available through high commission form at https://www.contact.service.csd.fcdo.gov.uk/posts/sri-lanka/british-high-commission-colombo with 24-hour emergency line through FCDO London.Lire plusLire moins
Soutien Commercial et Ă l'Exportation
UK-Sri Lanka trade encompasses machinery and equipment, vehicles and automotive components, pharmaceuticals and medical technology, telecommunications equipment, professional services, and manufactured goods exported to Sri Lanka, while Sri Lankan exports to UK include tea (Ceylon tea traditional export), garments and textiles, rubber products, coconut products, and spices. British commercial engagement includes professional services, financial services, education services through British curriculum schools and university partnerships, tourism services, and technology solutions.Lire plusLire moins
Opportunités d'Investissement
Sri Lanka offers investment opportunities in tourism infrastructure capitalizing on beaches, cultural heritage, and natural beauty; tea estates and plantation agriculture; garment and textile manufacturing; business process outsourcing and IT services; renewable energy development; real estate in Colombo and coastal areas; and infrastructure development. British investors should understand Sri Lanka's economic challenges, political dynamics, and regulatory environment.Lire plusLire moins
Soutien aux Entreprises
The Department for Business and Trade team provides market intelligence, identifies opportunities, facilitates partnerships, and supports British companies through market entry. Understanding Sri Lankan business culture emphasizes relationship building, formal business protocols, and patience with bureaucratic processes. English language use in business contexts facilitates UK commercial engagement.Lire plusLire moins
Programmes Culturels et Éducatifs
British Council Sri Lanka supports educational partnerships connecting Sri Lankan and UK universities, English language programs, cultural exchanges, and professional development. Thousands of Sri Lankan students pursue higher education at UK universities through various pathways, creating strong alumni networks. English language education maintains importance given colonial legacy and use in education, business, and government alongside Sinhala and Tamil official languages.Lire plusLire moins
Zone de Service
The British High Commission in Colombo provides diplomatic representation and consular services for British nationals throughout Sri Lanka and Maldives. British nationals traveling to Sri Lankan beaches, cultural sites including ancient cities and temples, tea country hill stations, or Maldives resorts should maintain high commission contact information.Lire plusLire moins
Informations sur les Rendez-vous
Public access strictly by appointment only. Contact through online form at https://www.contact.service.csd.fcdo.gov.uk/posts/sri-lanka/british-high-commission-colombo. Schedule consular appointments in advance.