COLOMBO : Official Visit of Indonesia’s Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs of Sri Lanka
The Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, H.E. Muhammad Anis Matta, undertook an official visit to Sri Lanka from 23 to 25 April 2026. The visit provided renewed momentum for bilateral relations as the two countries move towards the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2027.
On 24 April 2026, Vice Minister Anis Matta held bilateral discussions with Deputy Minister Arun Hemachandra. Both sides reviewed their longstanding friendship and discussed measures to deepen political and economic engagement, increase bilateral trade, encourage high-level exchanges, and convene bilateral political consultations at an early date.
Vice Minister Muhammad Anis Matta with Minister Vijitha Herath.
The Indonesian and Sri delegations during the official visit. Lankan
Bilateral Discussion between Minister of Buddhasana and Vice Minister of Foreign Affair of Indonesia
The discussions also explored maritime collaboration, cultural exchanges, and stronger people-to-people connectivity. Both sides recognized that closer links among government institutions, businesses, educational institutions, cultural communities, and the peoples of the two countries would help unlock the wider potential of the relationship and support its gradual elevation towards a strategic partnership.
Vice Minister Anis Matta also paid a courtesy call on the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism of Sri Lanka, Hon. Vijitha Herath. Both sides noted that the Memorandum of Understanding on Bilateral Political Consultations and the Agreement on Visa Exemption for holders of Diplomatic and Official Passports had reached the final stages of their respective processes, to be followed by further agreements in other areas of mutual interest and cooperation.
During the visit, Vice Minister Anis Matta also met the Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, Hon. Dr. Hiniduma Sunil Senevi, to explore closer religious and cultural cooperation. The visit demonstrated the commitment of both governments to transform their historical friendship into more regular political dialogue, stronger economic engagement, greater maritime cooperation, and closer relations between their peoples.
Indonesia Advances Defence Modernisation Through Strategic International Partnerships
Indonesia continues to modernise the Indonesian National Armed Forces through the acquisition of advanced defence platforms, the development of integrated operational capabilities, and the strengthening of the national defence industry. The programme is intended to improve air and maritime defence, strategic mobility, surveillance, early-warning capability, logistical readiness, and the capacity to safeguard Indonesia’s extensive territory. The modernisation programme is implemented through cooperation with international partners while promoting technology transfer, domestic construction, personnel development, maintenance capability, and the participation of Indonesian defence industries.
Sri Lanka’s Role in Supporting Indonesia’s Defence Connectivity
Sri Lanka plays an important supporting role due to its strategic location along major air and maritime routes across the Indian Ocean. Its ports and airports have provided transit, refuelling, replenishment, and logistical support for Indonesian military assets travelling between Indonesia and international defence partners.
KRI Brawijaya-320 during its replenishment visit at the Port of Colombo.
Indonesian Rafale fighter aircraft in transit at Bandaranaike International Airport.
One important example was the replenishment visit of KRI Brawijaya-320 to the Port of Colombo from 27 to 30 August 2025. Following its delivery in Italy, the Indonesian Navy’s new multipurpose combat ship stopped in Colombo before continuing its voyage to Indonesia. The visit demonstrated the practical importance of Colombo Port and also created opportunities for interaction between Indonesian and Sri Lankan naval personnel.
Sri Lanka likewise supported the transit of Indonesia’s newly acquired Dassault Rafale fighter aircraft. From 8 to 10 May 2026, the aircraft stopped at Bandaranaike International Airport for refuelling and logistical replenishment during their journey to Indonesia, reflecting close coordination between the relevant authorities of both countries.
