The state visit will take place from May 4-6, during which he will attend the United Nations Day of Vesak. This marks his first visit to Vietnam as President, following his inauguration in last November, and coincides with the 55th anniversary of Vietnam–Sri Lanka diplomatic relations (July 21, 1970 – 2025).
Enduring ties marked by high-level engagement
Since establishing diplomatic ties in 1970, Vietnam and Sri Lanka have maintained strong and dynamic relations. Sri Lanka has consistently expressed warm sentiments toward Vietnam and regards the country as a model of economic growth and international integration.
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President of Sri Lanka Anura Kumara Dissanayake takes the oath of office in Colombo, September 23, 2024. |
High-level exchanges have long played a pivotal role in enhancing bilateral ties. Vietnam’s key visits included those by Prime Minister Pham Van Dong in 1978, President Truong Tan Sang in 2011, and Vice Chairwoman of the National Assembly Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan in 2013. On the Sri Lankan side, prominent visits include President Mahinda Rajapaksa in 2009, Speaker of Parliament Chamal Rajapaksa in 2013, and Prime Minister D.M. Jayaratne, who participated in the Vesak celebrations in 2014. In a recent move to reinforce inter-parliamentary relations, Sri Lanka launched the Sri Lanka–Vietnam Parliamentary Friendship Association in March, enhancing legislative cooperation and people-to-people exchanges.
The two nations have also established three key bilateral cooperation mechanisms: the Joint Commission on Economic, Scientific and Technical Cooperation; Political Consultations; and the Joint Subcommittee on Trade. Vietnam and Sri Lanka continue to work closely together at international and regional forums.
Expanding economic and sectoral partnerships
Sri Lanka has formally recognized Vietnam’s full market economy status, with annual two-way trade reaching approximately USD 200 million, primarily Vietnamese exports. Both sides aim to elevate bilateral trade to USD 1 billion in the coming years.
To date, Sri Lanka has 32 valid investment projects in Vietnam, with a combined registered capital of USD 43.07 million, placing it 62nd among 148 foreign investors in the country.
Beyond trade and investment, cooperation across finance, agriculture, education, transport, culture, tourism, religion, and people-to-people exchange continues to gain traction. More than 30 bilateral agreements underpin this collaboration, including the Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (2005), the Agricultural Cooperation Work Plan for 2024-2026, the Education Cooperation Agreement for 2023-2026, and the Air Transport Agreement (2012).
Cultural and religious cooperation, particularly in Buddhism, has emerged as a central pillar of the bilateral relationship. Shared Buddhist values of peace and compassion form a unique spiritual and cultural bridge between the people of both countries.
A shared vision for future cooperation
As Vietnam and Sri Lanka are celebrating 55 years of diplomatic relations, both nations are poised to deepen ties further, leveraging mutual trust and shared development goals. President Dissanayaka’s visit underscores Sri Lanka’s strong commitment to its traditional friendship with Vietnam and reflects the shared resolve to expand collaboration across traditional areas, while opening new avenues in digital transformation, digital economy, energy transition, artificial intelligence, and connectivity.
Vietnamese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Trinh Thi Tam highlighted the significance of President Dissanayaka’s participation in the U.N. Day of Vesak 2025 as Guest of Honor and keynote speaker. His attendance reaffirms Sri Lanka’s respect for Vietnam’s role as host of this major international event and underscores their close cooperation in promoting Buddhist values.
The Vesak celebration serves as a vital platform for both countries, home to rich Buddhist traditions, to assert their leadership in safeguarding and promoting Buddhist principles, including peace, tolerance, and sustainable development. President Dissanayaka’s presence at Vesak 2025 is expected to further strengthen the bilateral relationship and affirm both nations’ contributions to global cultural initiatives.
Looking ahead, with a strong foundation built over more than five decades and positive socio-economic momentum in both countries, Vietnam–Sri Lanka relations are set to flourish in the years to come.
Source: VNA