Viet Nam and Sri Lanka share deep historical ties rooted in cultural and religious exchanges. The two nations also uphold common values and aspirations for peace, independence, freedom, and the well-being of their peoples. In meetings with Vietnamese leaders, Sri Lankan leaders have expressed admiration for the resilience, indomitable spirit, and perseverance of the Vietnamese people in their struggle for national independence and reunification, as well as in the country’s current development efforts.
In 2013, Sri Lanka inaugurated the memorial dedicated to President Ho Chi Minh and the Viet Nam–Ho Chi Minh Cultural Space in its capital city of Colombo. This stands as a symbol of the enduring traditional relationship between the two nations and a testament to the admiration, respect,and affection that the Sri Lankan people hold for President Ho Chi Minh.
In 2025, Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake paid a state visit to Viet Nam to mark the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Viet Nam and Sri Lanka and attended the United Nations Day of Vesak. The visit coincided with a time when the Vietnamese people were commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification — an event of profound historical significance for the nation.
Congratulating the Vietnamese Party, State, and people on the historic victory of April 30, 1975, the Sri Lankan President affirmed that it was not only a victory for Viet Nam but also for the Sri Lankan people and peace-loving people worldwide. High-level visits, exchanges and meetings between the two countries have served as important opportunities to further strengthen the enduring friendship that has withstood the test of time.
Over more than half a century of partnership, Viet Nam and Sri Lanka have built deep strategic trust and maintained close cooperation across multiple fields, particularly in politics, foreign affairs, culture, and people-to-people exchanges. Political parties in Sri Lanka attach great importance to relations with Viet Nam, viewing it as a successful model of economic development.
Sri Lanka has recognised Viet Nam as a full market economy. Sri Lankan leaders have affirmed their commitment to creating favourable conditions for Vietnamese enterprises to export goods in which Viet Nam has strengths and Sri Lanka has demand, while also offering preferential policies for Vietnamese investors undertaking key projects in Sri Lanka. To better tap the potential of bilateral economic cooperation, the two countries are implementing various trade and investment promotion measures, aiming to raise bilateral trade turnover to 1 billion USD in the near future.
Beyond maintaining strong bilateral ties, Viet Nam and Sri Lanka share common views on many regional and international issues. Both countries seek to strengthen cooperation, support one another, and act as close and reliable partners in regional and global multilateral forums. Sri Lanka has supported Viet Nam’s candidacy for the United Nations Human Rights Council for the 2023–2025 term and the UNESCO World Heritage Committee for the 2023–2027 term. In return, Viet Nam has supported Sri Lanka’s candidacy for the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) for the 2025–2027 term and the UNESCO Executive Board for the 2023–2027 term.
In the 56 years since establishing diplomatic relations in 1970, Viet Nam and Sri Lanka have cultivated a strong friendship grounded in trust, mutual respect, shared values, cultural traditions, and deep mutual understanding. Looking ahead, both countries will continue to make concerted efforts to harness their respective potential and strengths, expand cooperation, and elevate their relationship to new heights.
