Hamburg: Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya completed a visit to Hamburg, Germany, from 27-30 March 2025, with a focus on enhancing vocational education and economic linkages between Sri Lanka and Germany. Hamburg, Germany’s second-largest city and a significant European port, has a history of trade relations with Asia.
According to Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Sri Lanka, Germany’s President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Prime Minister Amarasuriya participated as Guests of Honour at the 102nd East Asia friendship dinner, hosted by the German Asia-Pacific Business Association (OAV). Addressing an audience of 300 dignitaries, including German President Steinmeier, the Mayor of Hamburg, and prominent business and political figures from across Germany, Prime Minister Amarasuriya emphasized the potential for strengthening economic ties between Sri Lanka and Germany. She noted that Sri Lanka’s economy had largely recovered from the 2022 economic crisis.
Prime Minister Amarasuriya encouraged German companies to explore opportunities in Sri Lanka, highlighting the favorable environment created by the improving economy, resurgent tourism, and policy reforms. Over 160 German companies currently operate in Sri Lanka, supported by the Delegation of German Industry and Commerce in Sri Lanka (AHK Sri Lanka) and collaborations with the Northern Chamber of Industries (NCI) in Jaffna, and the Women’s Chamber of Industry and Commerce (WCIC) in Colombo.
The Prime Minister also emphasized her government’s commitment to advancing national unity and reconciliation, noting the inclusivity of the current Parliament with a record number of women and diverse representatives. She highlighted the unified voice for change demonstrated in the last Parliamentary elections.
In a meeting with President Steinmeier, Prime Minister Amarasuriya discussed efforts to stabilize Sri Lanka’s economy while ensuring social protection for vulnerable groups. They also explored potential collaborations in vocational education.
During her visit, Prime Minister Amarasuriya, as Minister in charge of Education, Higher Education, and Vocational Education, engaged in discussions aimed at strengthening vocational education partnerships. At the ‘German-Asian Forum on Vocational Education and Training,’ she expressed gratitude for Germany’s contributions to Sri Lanka’s vocational education sector, including the establishment of technical training institutes. She outlined plans to modernize vocational education to create a skilled workforce aligned with industry demands.
Prime Minister Amarasuriya also participated in a Business Roundtable in Hamburg, discussing the government’s economic vision with German companies and government agencies. She emphasized economic stability, digitalization, and environmental initiatives. She visited research and technology hubs like NXP Semiconductors and DESY, exploring collaborations in support of Sri Lanka’s IT and apparel industries.
Accompanying Prime Minister Amarasuriya were Varuni Muthukumarana, Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Germany; Sandun Liyanwila, Counselor; and Senuja Samaraweera, Counselor (Commercial) of the Sri Lanka Embassy in Berlin.