Since establishing diplomatic ties on July 21, 1970, Viet Nam and Sri Lanka have maintained a close-knit relationship, supporting each other in their national development efforts. Sri Lanka is a traditional friend holding a deep sense of goodwill and values its relationship with Viet Nam.
The two people share many commonalities, most notably their deep connection to Buddhism. With a shared emphasis on peace and compassion, Buddhism serves as a spiritual bond that fosters goodwill and friendship between the people of Viet Nam and Sri Lanka.
Bilateral cooperation in Buddhism has yielded certain achievements through delegation exchanges, mutual support and participation in religious conferences and international events organised by both sides, facilitation of increased exchanges in Buddhist teachings, and the dispatch of monks and nuns to study in Sri Lanka.
In addition, Sri Lanka has consistently expressed strong solidarity with Viet Nam in its struggle against colonialism and its quest for national independence and freedom.
Generations of Sri Lankan leaders and citizens have held great admiration, respect, and affection for President Ho Chi Minh. In 2013, Sri Lanka inaugurated a statue of President Ho Chi Minh along with a Viet Nam–Ho Chi Minh space in the capital, Colombo. At that time, it was the only statue of a foreign leader in a public space in Sri Lanka—an enduring symbol of the long-standing traditional friendship and solidarity between the two countries and peoples.
The current government of Sri Lanka sees Viet Nam as a model of successful economic development and international integration. Sri Lanka has recognised Viet Nam as a full-fledged market economy.
The two sides have maintained high-level visits and engagements, along with effective cooperation through Party, parliamentary, and people-to-people channels. Viet Nam and Sri Lanka have established three bilateral cooperation mechanisms: the Joint Committee on Economic, Scientific and Technical Cooperation, Political Consultations, and the Joint Subcommittee on Trade. Sri Lanka has four friendship organisations with Viet Nam. Viet Nam has formed a Parliamentary Friendship Group with Sri Lanka in its 14th National Assembly and the Viet Nam–Sri Lanka Friendship Association.
In 2024, bilateral trade reached approximately 215.5 million USD, still modest relative to the potential of both countries. Regarding investment, Sri Lanka currently has 32 active projects in Viet Nam with a total registered capital of 43.07 million USD, ranking 62nd among countries and territories investing in Viet Nam.
Cooperation in other areas such as finance, agriculture, education, transportation, culture, tourism, religion, and people-to-people exchanges holds great potential, supported by more than 30 signed agreements.
Building on their longstanding friendship and solid cooperation, both countries continue to work closely together in regional and international forums. Sri Lanka supported Viet Nam’s candidacy to the United Nations Human Rights Council for the 2023–2025 term. Viet Nam backed Sri Lanka’s bid for a seat on the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) for the 2025–2027 term.
Viet Nam also supported Sri Lanka’s candidacy for Secretary-General of the Colombo Plan for the 2022–2026 term. Recently, Sri Lanka endorsed Viet Nam’s candidacy for the UNESCO World Heritage Committee for the 2023–2027 term. In turn, Viet Nam supported Sri Lanka’s candidacy to the UNESCO Executive Board for the same term.
Welcoming President Anura Kumara Dissanayaka on his State visit to Viet Nam and to the United Nations Day of Vesak, delivers a strong message affirming Viet Nam’s independent, self-reliant, peaceful, cooperative, and development-oriented foreign policy, with diversification and multilateralisation at its core. The visit strengthens political trust and advances substantive and effective cooperation between Viet Nam and Sri Lanka in all fields, including politics, diplomacy, security, defence, economy, trade, investment, and people-to-people exchanges.
Mutual trust and the close bond between the peoples of both countries provide a solid foundation for Viet Nam and Sri Lanka to further enhance cooperation in the future, for the benefit and aspirations of both nations.
May President Anura Kumara Dissanayaka’s State visit to Viet Nam and participation in the United Nations Day of Vesak be a great success, bringing about breakthroughs in the traditional friendship and multifaceted cooperation between Viet Nam and Sri Lanka.
