RUZAIK FAROOK
COLOMBO — The diplomatic relationship between Viet Nam and Sri Lanka was officially established on July 21, 1970. Over the years, the two countries have built a robust partnership grounded in mutual respect and shared values. The two countries have collaborated across various sectors for mutual benefit, and supported each other in international forums for peace, stability, and development in the region and the world.
Ambassador of Viet Nam to Sri Lanka, Trinh Thi Tam said at the press conference at the embassy on Monday March 3.tgat the Political ties have been strengthened through high-level visits and dialogues on key issues, fostering a deeper understanding and trust. Economically, both nations have worked to enhance trade and investment, recognizing the potentials and strength for mutual growth. Annual trade turnover records approximately USD 300-350 million over recent years. There are currently about 30 investment projects operated in both Viet Nam and Sri Lanka, with capital exceeding USD 42 million. Two countries maintain friendly relations in defense and security, mainly through training courses for capacity-building.
“ Efforts have been also made in other sectors such as tourism, agriculture, fisheries, education, technology, construction, pharmaceuticals, renewable energy, climate change…, aimed at leveraging each nation’s strengths, creating opportunities for sustainable development.
Diversified cultural exchanges, including musical performance, film festival, culinary introduction… have further enriched the Viet Nam-Sri Lanka relationship and strengthened people-to-people connections. The two countries have also enjoyed close Buddhism connection, with the temple-to-temple program being in good progress.
To mark the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, the Embassy of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam in Sri Lanka has planned a series of commemorative activities throughout the year 2025. The activities will encompass all pillars of bilateral relations, including political, economic, and cultural diplomacy, as well as people-to-people exchanges, aimed at raising awareness about the traditional friendship, to deepen mutual understanding and the existing fine collaboration between Viet Nam and Sri Lanka. The key activities and events include:
- Quiz Competition and Logo Design Competition on Viet Nam – Sri Lanka bilateral relations: Launched in January 2025 by the Embassy in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Colombo Times, these competitions focus on Viet Nam-Sri Lanka bilateral relations. The Quiz Competition lasts from January to June 2025. The Logo Design Competition lasts from March to May 2025. Both competitions are open to all Sri Lankan citizens, with final prizes to be awarded in July 2025 on the occasion of the diplomatic relation establishment.
- 95th Anniversary of the Founding of the Communist Party of Viet Nam (CPV): Held on 3 February, 2025 at the Embassy, with the attendance of Sri Lankan political parties maintaining friendly relations with the CPV. The event offered a good opportunity to not only look back the journey of the CPV, but also to honour the friendship and support reserved for the CPV by these Sri Lankan political parties.
- Bilateral meetings and contacts between high-level leaders of Viet Nam and Sri Lanka to reinforce and promote relations between the two nations: A bilateral meeting between Viet Nam Deputy Prime Minister, Foreign Minister, Bui Thanh Son and the Sri Lankan President, Anura Kumara Dissanayake took place on the side-lines of the World Governments Summit in Dubai in February 2025.
Ongoing arrangements are made for the possibility of: (i) a delegation from Viet Nam’s National Assembly to visit Sri Lanka in March or April 2025; (ii) a delegation from Sri Lanka to attend the 20th UN Day of Vesak hosted by Viet Nam in May 2025; (iii) other delegations at Minister, Deputy Minister level. - Commemoration of President Ho Chi Minh’s 135th Birth Anniversary (May 2025): To raise awareness about President Ho Chi Minh and Viet Nam, the Embassy, in partnership with the Sri Lanka – Viet Nam Solidarity Association, will organize an essay-writing contest on the life and career of President Ho Chi Minh, especially among younger generations of Sri Lanka, and a commemorative event at his Statue at the Colombo Library.
- Conduction of bilateral cooperation mechanisms to review and explore potentials of bilateral cooperation, including: (i) The 4th Viet Nam-Sri Lanka Joint Committee Meeting at Foreign Minister level, focusing on promoting bilateral relations in all aspects; (ii) The 5th Viet Nam-Sri Lanka Political Consultations at Deputy Minister level, focusing on regional, international issues of mutual interest and cooperation between the two Ministry of Foreign Affairs; (iii) The 3rd Sub-Committee of Trade at Deputy Minister level, focusing on trade cooperation enhancement.
- Viet Nam Film Festival in Sri Lanka (August / September 2025): To present to Sri Lankan audience with a number of Vietnamese films, aimed at introducing country, people and culture of Viet Nam, thus help promoting cultural exchange and people-to-people links.
- Vietnamese Cuisine Week in Colombo (September / October 2025): To present the diverse and abundant cuisine of Viet Nam to Sri Lankan people, thus help promoting cultural exchange, tourism and people-to-people links.
- Celebration of the 80th National Day and the 55th Anniversary of Viet Nam – Sri Lanka diplomatic relations (August / September 2025): A combination of reception and cultural program featuring Vietnamese artists will showcase traditional music and performances.
- Naming a street in Colombo after President Ho Chi Minh: To further honour President Ho Chi Minh in Sri Lanka, in addition to his statue placed at the Library of Colombo, the Embassy is seeking support and guidance from relevant authorities of Sri Lanka to realise the idea of having a street in Colombo named after President Ho Chi Minh.
- Issue of a joint stamp collection in celebration of Viet Nam – Sri Lanka relations: With the desire to have a durable mark on this anniversary, the Embassy is in the process of discussing with relevant authorities of both Viet Nam and Sri Lanka the idea of issuing a joint stamp collection with iconic symbols from both countries. A stamp collection in honour of President Ho Chi Minh was issued in 2014.”
