France is a key partner in Sri Lanka’s economic development: French Ambassador
16-Jul-2026.
France is a key partner in Sri Lanka’s economic development, and both countries share common interests and responsibilities in ensuring prosperity and sustainable development in the Indian Ocean region, French Ambassador to Sri Lanka and the Maldives Rémi Lambert said.
He also announced that French airline French Bee will commence three direct weekly flights between Paris and Colombo from next year.
The Ambassador made these remarks while addressing the French National Day celebrations organised by the French Embassy in Colombo at the Colombo Hilton Hotel.
Health and Media Minister Dr Nalinda Jayatissa attended the event as Chief Guest, along with diplomats, ministers, officials and other distinguished guests.
Addressing the gathering, Ambassador Rémi Lambert said:
“Based on the values and principles of the United Nations Charter, France is a natural partner of Sri Lanka in the Indian Ocean region.
Nearly one million French citizens live in our vicinity, and we share common interests and responsibilities in ensuring the prosperity and sustainable development of this region.
In Colombo, we have created a platform for cooperation through the Regional Maritime Research Centre to strengthen maritime security, defence capabilities and marine environmental protection.
We are also working together with Sri Lanka to expand cooperation with South Asia, the Indian Ocean region, the Pacific and European countries.
France is also an important partner in Sri Lanka’s economic development.
CMA CGM, the world’s third-largest shipping company, plays an important role in the development of the Colombo Port. Vessels belonging to French company Orange Marine, which specialises in deep-sea fibre optic cable installation, are being built at Colombo Dockyard. This has created employment opportunities for hundreds of skilled workers.
In terms of employment, Michelin, France’s largest tyre manufacturer, is the French company with the highest number of employees in Sri Lanka.
French tourists represent the seventh-largest tourist market for Sri Lanka. Many of them travel on European Airbus aircraft, some of which are manufactured in France.
I am pleased to announce that from next year, French Bee will begin three direct weekly flights between Paris and Colombo.
France is also a reliable partner in strengthening Sri Lanka’s stability and resilience. The French Development Agency (AFD) is celebrating 20 years of cooperation with Sri Lanka this year.
Beginning with post-tsunami reconstruction in 2004, this partnership has supported projects in areas including drinking water, healthcare, urban development, agriculture and energy.
Even when Sri Lanka faced an economic crisis in 2022, AFD continued its cooperation. France also supported Sri Lanka’s debt restructuring process.
Recently, France, together with the European Union, provided humanitarian assistance to those affected by Cyclone Ditwah.
Expertise France, a part of AFD, is implementing projects related to green transition, energy transition, climate action and circular economy in cooperation with Germany’s GIZ organisation with funding from the European Union.
France is also an important partner in higher education. Through Campus France Sri Lanka, Sri Lankan students can pursue studies in France. Around 1,500 higher education programmes are available there for students who do not speak French.
French is also taught in many Sri Lankan schools and through Alliance Française centres operating in Colombo, Kandy, Matara, Galle and Jaffna.
These centres make an important contribution to cultural exchange. The French International School in Colombo continues to grow successfully while welcoming students from different countries.
These wide-ranging areas of cooperation provide a strong foundation for future-oriented political relations.
Last year, Sri Lanka’s Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarasuriya, the Minister of Culture and the Deputy Minister of Mass Media visited France. This year, two delegations comprising French Senate members visited Sri Lanka.
Furthermore, during a meeting held in New Delhi in February this year, French President Emmanuel Macron and Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake held discussions.
Finally, I extend my heartfelt appreciation to all French citizens who are strengthening relations between our two countries through their professional activities in Sri Lanka.
Whether you are in Colombo or elsewhere in the country, I assure you that the services of the French Embassy will always remain available to you,” he said.
