A statement issued by the BHC said 20 companies have been invited by UK Trade and Investment and the UK Border Agency to be members of the pilot Business Express Programme.

 

“As part of the pilot scheme, the UK Border Agency will put in place special arrangements for Company members of this programme” the statement said.

 

It also noted that it will include, for an additional fee, expediting the processing of UK business visitor visa applications for company employees. 

 

John Rankin, the British High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, said: 

 

“I am delighted to see this service launched in Sri Lanka. This pilot scheme is intended to directly support those Sri Lankan companies whose employees undertake a significant amount of business travel to the UK, or otherwise invest in the UK”

 

“In 2010, the UK was Sri Lanka’s second largest trading partner, by volume. This initiative demonstrates the UK Government’s continuing support for those strong and enduring business links. I hope this pilot scheme proves successful and strengthens the existing Sri Lanka-UK trade relationship” John Rankin, the British High Commissioner to Sri Lanka said.