As Sri Lanka and the Federal Republic of Germany prepare to celebrate 75 years of diplomatic relations in 2028, both nations are working to strengthen their bilateral ties. With the world order in turmoil, the two countries are moving to expand their relations.
This was made evident during a recent visit to Berlin by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and a visit to Colombo by a four-member delegation from the German-South Asian Parliamentary Group led by Member of the German Bundestag (MdB) Nicklas Kappe earlier this month. The delegation met senior Government officials including the Prime Minister and the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, and visited the Colombo Port, which is Sri Lanka’s gateway to the world.
In an exclusive interview with German-South Asian Parliamentary Group Chair Kappe, MdB, The Sunday Morning explored what the future holds for both nations.
As Sri Lanka and Germany near 75 years of diplomatic relations, what is your assessment of the bilateral relationship between our nations?
Germany and Sri Lanka share a long-standing friendship built on mutual respect and trust. As we approach 75 years of diplomatic relations, I see great potential to deepen our cooperation, particularly in trade, education, energy, and sustainable development.
You are leading a delegation from Berlin to Colombo during a period of unprecedented upheaval in the international order and domestic political systems in both our countries. Do you think this is a good time to strengthen our bilateral relations and improve linkages? What are the key goals of your mission to Colombo?
Absolutely. In uncertain times, strong international partnerships are more important than ever. Our mission is to strengthen political dialogue and build lasting connections between our countries.
Have the changes in the global order, especially the decline of multilateralism and the rules-based order, changed the way Germany views coastal nations like Sri Lanka?
Sri Lanka’s strategic location in the Indian Ocean makes it an important partner. Germany values cooperation with coastal nations to strengthen maritime security, international trade, and a rules-based international order.
Germany and Sri Lanka entered a debt restructuring agreement, which helps Sri Lanka in its economic recovery process and improves its debt repayment capacity. Given today’s economic indicators, how confident are you that Sri Lanka will be able to honour the agreement?
Sri Lanka has made important progress towards economic recovery. Continued reforms, fiscal stability, and sustainable growth will be essential to meeting its commitments. Germany remains committed to supporting Sri Lanka’s economic recovery.
Germany is one of Sri Lanka’s largest export destinations and the second-largest export market within the European Union. How does the trade deficit between both nations stand?
Our trade relationship offers significant opportunities for both countries. In 2025, Germany imported approximately € 1.08 billion in goods from Sri Lanka and exported € 228 million, resulting in a German trade deficit of around € 848 million. We should focus on expanding bilateral trade, diversifying products, and creating new opportunities for businesses on both sides.
What are the key areas of interest for Germany in Sri Lanka for investment? Do you find the current investment landscape investor-friendly? If not, what needs to change?
I see particular potential in renewable energy, infrastructure, manufacturing, and digital technologies. Investors need reliable regulations, transparent procedures, and long-term planning security. Strengthening these conditions would benefit both countries.
Logistics, maritime connectivity, and energy security are critical for both nations. I understand your delegation will visit the Port of Colombo. What are the opportunities for collaboration in the maritime and energy sectors?
Sri Lanka’s maritime position and Germany’s industrial expertise offer opportunities for cooperation. Modern port infrastructure, sustainable shipping, renewable energy, and energy efficiency are particularly promising areas.
Are climate resilience and good governance areas Germany is keen on pursuing with Sri Lanka?
Absolutely. Renewable energy, climate resilience, and good governance are important areas of cooperation. Germany can contribute technological expertise and experience while working with Sri Lankan partners to develop sustainable solutions.
Is Germany satisfied with the reconciliation process in Sri Lanka or is there room for improvement? What are your views?
Reconciliation is a long-term process that requires dialogue, trust, and the participation of all communities. Germany supports efforts that strengthen social cohesion, human rights, and equal opportunities for everyone in Sri Lanka.
What would you say to the criticisms that Germany, like many European countries, disproportionately engages Sri Lanka’s communities and political leaders? Does Germany have preferred partners in the domestic arena in Colombo?
Germany values its relationship with Sri Lanka as a whole. Our cooperation is based on mutual respect, democratic principles, and dialogue with different communities and institutions.
A few years ago, Germany dispatched a naval vessel which called at the Colombo Port as part of its Indo-Pacific patrol. Is Germany keen to improve maritime and cybersecurity relations and cooperation with Sri Lanka?
Maritime and cybersecurity relations are increasingly important for both countries. There is potential to deepen cooperation through information exchange, capacity building, and international partnerships.
In Germany, there has been a significant shift in politics with the rise of Alternative for Germany (AfD). Its recent results make the Far-Right AfD difficult to ignore. Will the other parties recognise the gains made by them through the democratic process which your nation cherishes, or will the AfD be ‘kept’ out of governance through collective political agreement?
Democratic election results must always be respected. At the same time, political parties are free to decide with whom they form governing coalitions. Germany’s democratic institutions and constitutional principles remain the foundation of our political system.
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