(By Nishantha Alwis)
President Anura Kumara Disanayake is set to depart Sri Lanka today (3 May) on a State visit to Vietnam, marking a significant diplomatic milestone as the two countries celebrate 55 years of bilateral relations.
Invited by Vietnamese President Luong Cuong, President Disanayake’s three-day visit from 4 to 6 May is expected to deepen longstanding ties between Sri Lanka and Vietnam, with a focus on political, economic, and cultural cooperation.
During the visit, the President will engage in official talks with Vietnam’s President, Prime Minister, and senior leadership, including the General Secretary of the Communist Party. The discussions are anticipated to result in the signing of several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and agreements aimed at boosting collaboration across multiple sectors. The Cabinet of Ministers at their meeting on Monday approved four key policy decisions, paving the way for the signing of strategic bilateral agreements that aim to deepen cooperation across trade, industry, agriculture and diplomacy.
In a moment of both symbolic and international significance, the Sri Lankan Head of State will participate as Chief Guest at the United Nations Day of Vesak celebrations in Ho Chi Minh City on 6 May. He is scheduled to deliver the keynote address at the event, which gathers leaders and delegates from across the Buddhist world to commemorate the birth, enlightenment and passing of the Buddha.
The visit also includes engagements with Vietnam’s business community, where President Disanayake and his delegation are expected to explore new avenues for trade and investment partnerships. With both countries navigating post-pandemic economic recovery, the discussions aim to capitalise on shared opportunities in sectors such as tourism, agriculture, apparel, and renewable energy.
Accompanying the President is a high-level delegation led by Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Minister Vijitha Herath, alongside senior government officials, reflecting the importance Sri Lanka places on this diplomatic outreach.
