Kenya and Sri Lanka have agreed to strengthen bilateral trade and expand investment opportunities in agriculture, manufacturing and digital infrastructure following high-level talks between Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and Sri Lankan Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarasuriya.
The discussions took place on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, on the sidelines of the 28th Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in St John’s, Antigua and Barbuda.
In a statement following the meeting, Kindiki said the two countries were committed to expanding economic cooperation while addressing the existing trade imbalance.
Kenya currently exports minerals, coffee, avocados and flowers to Sri Lanka, while its imports from the Asian nation include paper, textiles, rubber, plastics and pharmaceutical products.
The two leaders agreed to explore ways of increasing trade volumes and strengthening investment partnerships to unlock greater economic benefits for both countries.
Agriculture, manufacturing and digital infrastructure were identified as key areas for enhanced cooperation, with both countries seeking to deepen commercial relations and create new opportunities for businesses.
Kenya and Sri Lanka Seek to Address Trade Imbalance
Beyond expanding bilateral trade, the discussions also focused on broader international cooperation, particularly on multilateralism, climate financing and reforms to the global financial system.
Kindiki said Kenya and Sri Lanka had reaffirmed their commitment to a rules-based international order and stronger representation of developing countries in international financial institutions.
The two nations also called for reforms to the international financial architecture to increase the influence and bargaining power of developing economies in global decision-making.
The engagement forms part of Kenya’s broader diplomatic and economic outreach during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, where leaders are discussing shared development priorities, economic partnerships and international cooperation.
