COLOMBO : On 2 September 1945, President Ho Chi Minh proclaimed the independence of Viet Nam, opening a new chapter in the history of our nation. The journey since then has not been easy. Viet Nam endured wars, tremendous sacrifices and many difficult years of reconstruction. Yet, throughout this journey, the Vietnamese people have remained united, resilient and determined to build a peaceful, independent and prosperous country.
Over the past 81 years, Viet Nam has made remarkable progress. A historic turning point was the launch of the Doi Moi (Reform) process in 1986, which brought about profound economic and social transformation.
Today Viet Nam is a dynamic and open economy. In 2025, our economy grew by 8.02 percent, with GDP reaching nearly USD 514 billion. Viet Nam is now among the world’s major trading nations, with a network of 17 Free Trade Agreements with major partners.
But our development is about more than economic figures. We have continued to strengthen political stability, national defence and security, while investing in education, healthcare and social development. At the same time, Viet Nam remains committed to preserving its rich traditions while embracing innovation, modernity and new opportunities for development.
Viet Nam has also become increasingly active and responsible in international affairs. We now maintain diplomatic relations with 194 countries and actively participate in the United Nations, ASEAN and many other multilateral institutions, including the Colombo Plan. We remain firmly committed to international cooperation, dialogue and respect for the United Nations Charter and international law.
For Viet Nam, development and diplomacy go hand in hand. A stronger and more prosperous Viet Nam is a Viet Nam that can contribute more actively to peace, stability, cooperation and prosperity in the region and beyond.
Our National Day is also an occasion to celebrate the enduring friendship between Viet Nam and Sri Lanka — a friendship that has stood the test of time for more than 55 years and is founded on mutual respect, trust and understanding.
This year has been particularly significant for our bilateral relations. Following the State Visit to Viet Nam by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in May 2025, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Viet Nam and State President H.E. Tô Lâm paid a State Visit to Sri Lanka in May 2026.
The visit was warmly welcomed by the leadership and people of Sri Lanka and marked a historic milestone in our bilateral relations. During the visit, Viet Nam and Sri Lanka agreed to upgrade their relations to a Comprehensive Partnership, opening a new chapter and creating new momentum for closer cooperation between our two countries.
The new Comprehensive Partnership provides a broader framework for our two countries to deepen cooperation in trade, investment, tourism, defence, security, justice and other areas of mutual interest. One of the tangible outcomes is the launch, from 16 August, of direct flights between Viet Nam and Sri Lanka by Viet Nam Airlines, our national flag carrier, and Vietjet Air, a dynamic private airline of Viet Nam. With six direct flights a week connecting Ho Chi Minh City and Colombo, our two countries are now closer than ever.
Air connectivity is more than a means of travel. It brings our people closer together, creates new opportunities for tourism, trade and investment, and facilitates greater people-to-people exchanges. I believe these direct flights will contribute significantly to turning the new Comprehensive Partnership into more concrete and meaningful cooperation.
On this special occasion, I would like to express my sincere appreciation to the Government, ministries, agencies and business community of Sri Lanka for their valuable support to the Embassy of Viet Nam in translating the commitments of our high-level leaders into practical outcomes.
I would also like to express my heartfelt appreciation to the Vietnamese community in Sri Lanka. Although small in size, the community has always served as an important bridge between our two countries. Through their work, studies, businesses and contributions to the local community, Vietnamese people in Sri Lanka have helped strengthen mutual understanding and friendship between our two peoples.
The Embassy is proud of and grateful for their contributions. I hope that the Vietnamese community will continue to remain united, uphold its sense of responsibility and contribute actively to the growing friendship between Viet Nam and Sri Lanka.
As Viet Nam celebrates its 81st National Day, we look forward with confidence and optimism to the future. We are committed to working together with Sri Lanka to build upon our long-standing friendship, deepen our Comprehensive Partnership and create greater opportunities for our two peoples.
I extend my best wishes to H.E. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, the Government and the People of Sri Lanka, and to the ever-growing friendship and Comprehensive Partnership between Viet Nam and Sri Lanka.
Long live the friendship between Viet Nam and Sri Lanka!
