In her opening remarks, Vietnamese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Trinh Thi Tam reaffirmed the greatness of President Ho Chi Minh, an extraordinary revolutionary who dedicated his life to Vietnam’s national liberation and struggles for peace, justice, independence, and social progress around the world.
Sri Lanka regards Vietnam as a source of inspiration and encouragement in its own quest for progress and recovery, said President Anura Kumara Dissanayaka.
Leaders of Vietnam and Sri Lanka discussed and agreed on key directions to uplift bilateral relations to the next level during the state visit to Vietnam by Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Disanayaka on May 4-6.
Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayaka expressed his belief that the steadfast friendship and enduring partnership between Sri Lanka and Vietnam will pave the way for a brighter future for both nations.
The Sri Lankan President emphasised investment opportunities for Vingroup in the sectors it is strong at such as tourism, finance, and real estate, especially in Colombo – Sri Lanka’s largest city.
Noting that Vietnam and Sri Lanka still have great potential in economic, trade and investment collaboration, the two leaders vowed to take stronger measures to increase two-way trade and investment, aiming for bilateral trade turnover of 1 billion USD, and considering the possibility of negotiating and signing a bilateral free trade agreement when conditions permit.
Sharing with the President of Sri Lanka about the life and career of President Ho Chi Minh, President Cuong affirmed that he was the most beautiful symbol of patriotism and revolutionary heroism of Vietnam, the shining crystallization of morality, intelligence, spirit, and conscience of the nation and the era. At the same time, he devoted his entire life to the glorious revolutionary cause of the Party and the Vietnamese people.
Following the ceremony, the two Presidents led their delegations to hold bilateral talks, reviewing the progress of bilateral cooperation in recent years and discussing directions for future collaboration. The two leaders are also scheduled to witness the signing of cooperation agreements and hold a joint press briefing.
The Sri Lankan President thanked the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha for inviting him to the Vesak celebrations and stressed the long-standing ties between the two countries, including their Buddhism-based cultural similarities.
The trip is the first to Vietnam by a Sri Lankan head of state in 16 years, since 2009, and it is also the first visit to the Southeast Asian nation by President Anura Kumara Dissanayaka since he took office in September 2024.
Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s state visit to Vietnam from May 4-6 reaffirms Vietnam's respect for Sri Lanka as a traditional friend and important partner in South Asia.
World leaders have flooded Vietnam with congratulatory messages as the country is commemorating the 50th anniversary of the liberation of the South and national reunification (April 30, 1975–2025).
In the decades-long struggle against US imperialists, the Communist Party of Vietnam played a central role by formulating sound ideologies, adapting strategies over time, and uniting national and international forces. The Party’s leadership in ensuring political stability and social order has continued to provide Vietnam with the most crucial environment for socio-economic development, thereby sustaining the country’s standing in both regional and international arenas.
At the National Library of Sri Lanka, the Vice Chairman and his entourage paid tribute to President Ho Chi Minh, offering flowers at his monument and visiting the Ho Chi Minh Space.
Both sides agreed to strengthen cooperation in economy, trade, and investment, with an aim to soon reach 1 billion USD in two-way trade; consider negotiating and signing a free trade agreement soon; and promote the possibility of a direct air route to facilitate exchanges, trade, and tourism, and tap into the potential and strength of each country.
The formation of the Sri Lanka-Vietnam Parliamentary Friendship Group is a key milestone in relations between the two countries as well as between their parliaments, especially as Sri Lanka prepares to welcome a high-level delegation from Vietnam’s National Assembly.
In recent years, trade between Vietnam and Sri Lanka has reached about 300-350 million USD per year. Sri Lanka has invested in around 30 projects in Vietnam while there are four Vietnamese restaurants in Sri Lanka
Vietnamese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Trinh Thi Tam assessed that there remains room for bilateral collaboration in Buddhism, culture, tourism, and heritage conservation.
The Vietnamese Embassy in Colombo hosted an early Lunar New Year celebration on January 5, bringing together hundreds of Vietnamese living and working in Sri Lanka.
Vietnam made a striking impression at the 2024 Cultural Festival in Colombo on December 7, wowing both locals and foreign visitors with a vibrant display of Vietnamese handicrafts and the globally beloved Pho.
Vietnam always pays attention to further consolidating and strengthening the traditional friendship and comprehensive cooperation with Sri Lanka through the channels of Party, State, National Assembly and people-to-people exchange, Vietnamese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Trinh Thi Tam said.
Vietnamese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Trinh Thi Tam had a meeting with Sri Lankan Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya on October 3 during which she affirmed that Vietnam always attaches much importance to the traditional friendship with the South Asian country.
Vietnamese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Trinh Thi Tam has hosted a ceremony and a banquet marking the 79th anniversary of Vietnam’s National Day (September 2, 1945-2024).
