Europe Ready to Partner Sri Lanka as Economy Recovers, Says Dutch Envoy

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Sri Lanka, Wiebe De Boer, says the Netherlands is impressed by Sri Lanka’s economic recovery following the 2022 economic collapse and is ready to partner with the country in its next phase of development.

“We are in a constant dialogue with Sri Lanka. We are really impressed by the results of the Sri Lankan economy after the meltdown in 2022. You are performing above the expectations of IMF,” De Boer said, expressing confidence in the country’s economic direction.

He said the Netherlands, and Europe as a whole, would like to support Sri Lanka as the government opens the economy to more foreign investment and technology. 

“We have a lot of trust in the further development. And we would like to be a partner, the Netherlands but also Europe. We would like to be a partner in the further development.”

De Boer also highlighted what he sees as a major driver of long-term economic growth: the empowerment of Sri Lanka’s small and medium-sized enterprises. 

“I personally believe also that one of the biggest drivers will be to liberate the small and medium sized enterprises in this country. Because that is where the real dynamics will come from,” he said.