




RUZAIK FAROOK
COLOMBO — As the Lunar New Year approached, the Vietnamese Embassy in Colombo hosted the “Tet 2025” event for the Vietnamese community in Sri Lanka on January 5, 2025. The gathering saw over 100 Vietnamese citizens, along with their Sri Lankan families, embassy staff, and representatives from the Sri Lanka-Viet Nam Solidarity Association and the Communist Party of Sri Lanka.
In her speech at the ceremony, Ambassador Trinh Thi Tam highlighted Viet Nam’s achievements in 2024. The country maintained its status as an economic leader in the region and globally, with GDP growth surpassing 7%. Exports reached USD more than 810 billion, resulting in a trade surplus of over $25 billion, and nearly USD 40 billion foreign investments. Tourist arrivals were also impressive, nearing pre-pandemic levels with over 18 million visitors. The country’s foreign relations also thrived, enhancing its international standing through both bilateral and multilateral engagements. The country isgathering all forces and strengthsto steadily move into a new era – the era of the nation’s rise for strong development, civilization and prosperity.
The Ambassador praised the Vietnamese community in Sri Lanka for their significant contributions to local development and the strengthening of Viet Nam-Sri Lanka ties, despite being relatively small in number. In 2024, the community and the Embassy collaborated on many impactful activities, such as Viet Nam Day and President Ho Chi Minh’s Birth Anniversary on May 17, National Day on September 2, Vietnamese Women’s Day on October 20 as well as Cultural Festivals and International Charity Fairs held by Sri Lankan agencies and societies. These events have helped Sri Lankans and international friends learn more about Vietnamese culture and people.


Ambassador Trinh Thi Tam emphasized that 2025 is a pivotal year, marking the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Viet Nam and Sri Lanka. It also coincides with significant national milestones, including the 135th anniversary of late President Ho Chi Minh’s birth, the 95th anniversary of the Party’s founding, the 80th anniversary of the National Day, and the 50th anniversary of Viet Nam’s reunification. Therefore, the Embassy plans to host various political, cultural, and economic events to deepen Sri Lankan understanding of Viet Nam and strengthen bilateral relations.
Ambassador Trinh Thi Tam expressed her hope that in the New Year, the Vietnamese community in Sri Lanka will uphold their spirit of solidarity, continue to contribute to the socio-economic development in Sri Lanka and bilateral relations, while cherish national values and preserve the Vietnamese language. She looks forward to the continued support and participation of the community in the coming activities organized by the Embassy.
The celebration featured traditional Tet dishes from regions of Viet Nam, including banh chung, banh tet, gio, sticky rice, bitter melon soup, and pickled vegetables. Attendees enjoyed family games and sang Vietnamese songs, creating a warm and festive ambiance. Interestingly, Sri Lankan men were much excited to celebrate the Lunar New Year with their Vietnamese wives and kids.photos : Umair Naushad
