As Vietnam and Sri Lanka mark 55 years of diplomatic relations, a high-level visit by a senior Vietnamese official has underscored a mutual commitment to deepening ties across political, economic, and cultural spheres. Politburo member and Chairman of the Party Central Committee’s Commission for Information, Education and Mass Mobilisation Nguyen Trong Nghia concluded an official visit to Sri Lanka on June 4, 2025, emphasizing the shared values and political trust that form the bedrock of this enduring partnership.
A Foundation of Friendship and Trust
During his visit from June 1-4, Nghia conveyed Vietnam’s desire to further strengthen bilateral relations with Sri Lanka, highlighting the close friendship and shared interests that have defined the relationship since diplomatic ties were established in 1970. Speaking with Sri Lankan Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya, Nghia stressed Vietnam’s recognition of Sri Lanka’s pivotal role in the region and called for the effective implementation of high-level agreements, including outcomes from Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayaka’s recent visit to Vietnam. 
The discussions focused on enhancing political ties through increased exchanges of delegations at all levels, spanning Party, State, and people-to-people channels. Nghia proposed specific measures to boost cooperation in key areas such as economy, investment, trade, national defense, security, tourism, culture, and education. Prime Minister Amarasuriya echoed this sentiment, advocating for concrete steps to facilitate economic collaboration, including streamlined visa procedures and the promotion of tourism and student exchanges. She also expressed keen interest in learning from Vietnam’s success in attracting foreign direct investment (FDI), signaling Sri Lanka’s openness to Vietnamese businesses seeking investment opportunities or joint ventures in the country.
Both leaders agreed on critical priorities for the future, including deepening ties between their ruling parties and exploring the establishment of a direct air route to enhance tourism and cultural exchanges. Such initiatives reflect a shared vision of connectivity, not just in policy but in the lived experiences of their citizens.
Party-to-Party Collaboration and Economic Lessons
In a meeting with Tilvin Silva, General Secretary of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), Nghia advocated for stronger party-to-party ties through delegation exchanges, theoretical discussions, and shared expertise in fields like science, arts, journalism, and mass mobilization. Silva, in turn, expressed admiration for Vietnam’s sustained economic growth and stability, voicing a desire to draw lessons from Vietnam’s approaches to economic development, education, agriculture, and science-technology.
This exchange highlights a broader theme of Vietnam’s role as a model for developing nations, particularly those navigating the complexities of economic reform while maintaining political cohesion. Vietnam’s journey from a war-torn nation to a rapidly growing economy offers valuable insights for Sri Lanka, which has faced its own economic challenges in recent years, including a severe financial crisis in 2022 that led to widespread protests and political upheaval. While Vietnam’s state-led development model under the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) differs from Sri Lanka’s more pluralistic political landscape, the emphasis on stability and incremental reform resonates as a potential area of learning.
Nghia also engaged with leaders of the Communist Party of Sri Lanka and the Sri Lanka-Vietnam Solidarity Association, who praised Vietnam’s socio-economic achievements and described the country as a beacon of socialist development. They expressed a commitment to substantive cooperation with the CPV, focusing on information exchange, party-building, leadership training, and mass mobilization strategies.
Cultural Ties and the Legacy of Ho Chi Minh
A centerpiece of Nghia’s visit was an international seminar on President Ho Chi Minh and the traditional friendship between Vietnam and Sri Lanka, coinciding with the 135th anniversary of Ho Chi Minh’s birth. Sri Lankan leaders, parliamentarians, and scholars paid tribute to Ho Chi Minh’s contributions to national liberation movements, calling him an enduring source of inspiration for oppressed peoples worldwide. They noted his ideology of international solidarity and the deep respect generations of Sri Lankans hold for him, with his works translated into local languages and inspiring local artists.
Nghia described the seminar as a meaningful occasion to honor Ho Chi Minh’s legacy of diplomacy, emphasizing the cultural similarities and shared development goals that underpin Vietnam-Sri Lanka relations. He underscored the importance of political trust as a foundation for future cooperation, viewing these shared values as invaluable assets in an increasingly complex global landscape.
In a separate meeting with Sri Lanka’s Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, Hiniduma Sunil Senevi, Nghia welcomed recent progress in cultural and religious exchanges. He expressed gratitude for the Sri Lankan government’s support in constructing a Vietnamese pagoda in the country, a symbol of the deepening spiritual ties between the two nations. Both sides committed to enhancing delegation exchanges, cultural programs, spiritual tourism, and the preservation of religious and cultural sites. They also discussed initiatives to educate younger generations about their shared traditions through information sharing and bilateral exchanges, alongside efforts to promote each country’s cultural, literary, and cinematic works.
Community Engagement and Symbolic Gestures
Beyond high-level discussions, Nghia connected with the Vietnamese community in Sri Lanka, meeting with embassy staff and representatives to reinforce the importance of diaspora ties in fostering bilateral relations. His delegation also paid homage to Vietnam’s historical ties with Sri Lanka by laying flowers at a statue of President Ho Chi Minh and visiting the dedicated Ho Chi Minh space at the Colombo Public Library. These gestures serve as poignant reminders of the cultural and historical threads that bind the two nations, rooted in a shared reverence for ideals of independence and solidarity.
Looking Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities
The renewed commitment to Vietnam-Sri Lanka relations comes at a critical juncture for both nations. For Vietnam, expanding partnerships in South Asia aligns with its broader foreign policy of diversification and multilateralism, seeking to balance relations with major powers while fostering ties with smaller, like-minded states. Sri Lanka, meanwhile, is navigating a delicate recovery from economic turmoil, with a need for reliable partners to support investment and trade. The emphasis on economic cooperation, particularly in tourism and FDI, could provide a much-needed boost to Sri Lanka’s economy, while Vietnam stands to gain from access to new markets and strategic regional footholds.
Yet challenges remain. Economic cooperation will require overcoming logistical barriers, such as the lack of direct air connectivity, which both sides have identified as a priority. Additionally, while cultural and political ties are strong, translating these into tangible economic outcomes will demand sustained effort and innovative policy-making. The differing political systems and historical contexts of the two nations may also pose hurdles in aligning their approaches to development and governance.
Still, the optimism expressed during Nghia’s visit suggests a shared determination to build on the past 55 years of friendship. As both nations look to the future, the question remains how they will translate high-level commitments into grassroots impact—whether through a direct flight bringing tourists closer together or a joint venture creating jobs and opportunities. For now, the anniversary serves as a powerful reminder of what can be achieved through mutual respect and collaboration.
