Vietnam and Sri Lanka celebrate 55 years of diplomatic relations with renewed cooperation and commemorative events

With trade growing significantly since 2009, there was vast untapped potential to do business agriculture, fisheries, tourism, education and technologies. This today has grown beyond traditional trade sectors with the emerging opportunities for collaboration in electric vehicles, renewable energy, digital innovation and climate change initiatives

By Charumini de Silva

Marking 55 years of diplomatic ties, Vietnam and Sri Lanka are set to deepen their cooperation across multiple sectors, while celebrating their longstanding friendship with a series of special events throughout 2025.

Ambassador of Vietnam to Sri Lanka Trinh Thi Tam outlined the historical milestones and future prospects of the relationship during a media briefing on Monday.

“As Vietnam and Sri Lanka celebrate this diplomatic milestone, we are looking ahead to a future of strengthened economic, cultural and political ties to reinforce our shared vision of mutual growth and cooperation,” she said.

Reflecting on the journey of diplomatic engagement, she emphasised that Vietnam-Sri Lanka ties predate their official establishment with Consular relations beginning in 1964 and elevated to Ambassadorial level on 21 July 1970.

She highlighted that the relationship between the two nations can be divided into six key phases – the pre-reunification period before 1975, the era of domestic challenges in the 1980s, the early 2000s marked by strengthened cooperation, the post-civil war expansion in Sri Lanka from 2009 to 2019, the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, and the ongoing post-economic crisis period in Sri Lanka.

The Ambassador said Vietnam set up its embassy in Colombo in 1971 and despite a period of reduced engagement in the 1980s due to domestic challenges in both countries, the relationship was revitalised in the early 2000s with high-level exchanges and economic cooperation.

As Vietnam and Sri Lanka celebrate this diplomatic milestone, we are looking ahead to a future of strengthened economic, cultural and political ties to reinforce our shared vision of mutual growth and cooperation

“During the 1980s, both countries faced domestic challenges. Vietnam has to downsize its diplomatic representation globally including our Embassy in Colombo, leading to a period of relatively modest engagement. However, in the early 2000s the two countries established the Joint Committee for Bilateral Cooperation at the Foreign Ministry level, which marked a significant step in structured diplomatic engagement,” she elaborated.

The post-civil war period in Sri Lanka saw rapid growth in bilateral relations, with Vietnam being one of the first countries to be informed of Sri Lanka’s victory over the civil war.

“Post-2009 strengthened ties further, leading to Vietnam’s reopening of its Embassy in Colombo in 2011. Since then, both countries have expanded their cooperation, signing over 30 agreements and Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) covering various sectors,” she added.

Ambassador Tam highlighted Vietnam’s commitment to boosting trade and investment, with Sri Lanka currently holding 30 investment projects in Vietnam, amounting to over $ 42 million.

“With trade growing significantly since 2009, there was vast untapped potential to do business in agriculture, fisheries, tourism, education and technologies. This today has grown beyond traditional trade sectors with the emerging opportunities for collaboration in electric vehicles, renewable energy, digital innovation and climate change initiatives,” she highlighted.

She detailed the line up of events planned to commemorate the 55th anniversary of Vietnam-Sri Lanka diplomatic relations, emphasising that the Vietnamese Embassy has organised a series of activities throughout 2025 to raise awareness and strengthen bilateral ties.

“The goal is to host at least one event each month, highlighting the enduring friendship between the two countries,” she added.

Key initiatives include an essay competition launched by the Embassy, a commemoration of the 95th anniversary of the Communist Party of Vietnam with the participation of Sri Lankan political leaders and collaboration with the Sri Lanka-Vietnam Friendship Association to mark the 130th birth anniversary of former President Hồ Chí Minh.

Additionally, a Vietnamese Film Week and a food festival will be held in Colombo, along with potential high-level exchanges between leaders of both countries.

Post-2009 strengthened ties further, leading to Vietnam’s reopening of its Embassy in Colombo in 2011. Since then, both countries have expanded their cooperation, signing over 30 agreements and memoranda of understanding (MoUs) covering various sectors

The Ambassador said a significant proposal under discussion is the naming of a street in Colombo after the former President Hồ Chí Minh, complementing the existing statue at the Colombo Public Library.

“The idea emerged during a visit to his statue at the Colombo Public Library. Given the deep ties between the two nations, we believe this would be a meaningful tribute. We have engaged in discussions with Sri Lankan authorities, including the President, Prime Minister, Foreign minister and Western Province Governor as well as the Colombo Municipal Council Commissioner,” she explained.

Acknowledging that Sri Lanka has very few streets named after foreign leaders, Ambassador Tam said they were optimistic and committed to following the necessary regulations and procedures. “If this initiative cannot be completed during my tenure, I trust that my successors will continue this effort,” she added.

Other initiatives include the possible issuance of a commemorative stamp celebrating Vietnam-Sri Lanka relations, culminating in a grand reception in August or September 2025 to mark Vietnam’s National Day and the anniversary of diplomatic ties.

The Ambassador highlighted Vietnam and Sri Lanka’s ongoing collaboration in multilateral forums such as the United Nations and the Non-Aligned Movement.

It was noted that all events are being organised in partnership with Sri Lanka’s Foreign Affairs Ministry and other relevant institutions.