Canberra/Melbourne: Sri Lanka’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, Vijitha Herath, has concluded his first official visit to Australia, holding a series of high-level meetings aimed at strengthening bilateral relations, expanding economic cooperation, and enhancing regional security partnerships.
During his visit to Canberra, Minister Herath met with Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, where the two leaders discussed deepening strategic cooperation between the two Indian Ocean nations. Key topics included maritime security, regional stability in the Indian Ocean, and opportunities to expand trade and economic partnerships.
Describing Australia and Sri Lanka as longstanding Indian Ocean partners, Senator Wong highlighted the importance of closer collaboration.
“We discussed deepening our maritime and economic cooperation to support a peaceful, stable and prosperous Indian Ocean,” she said.
Minister Herath also held talks with Australia’s Special Envoy for Indian Ocean Affairs, Tim Watts. Discussions focused on strengthening defence cooperation, maritime security and blue economy initiatives, reflecting the shared interests of both countries as key Indian Ocean neighbours.
The Sri Lankan minister paid a courtesy call on the Speaker of the Australian House of Representatives, Milton Dick, at Parliament House. Their discussions centred on enhancing parliamentary engagement and broadening bilateral cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
In Melbourne, Minister Herath met with Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan to explore opportunities for expanding Sri Lanka–Victoria relations across political, economic, cultural, educational, sporting and people-to-people sectors. Victorian Minister for Economic Growth and Jobs, Steve Dimopoulos, also participated in the meeting.
Premier Allan acknowledged the significant contribution made by the Sri Lankan community to Victoria’s economic and social development, noting that Victoria is home to the largest Sri Lankan population in Australia. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening ties as Sri Lanka and Australia mark 79 years of diplomatic relations in 2025.
The minister also engaged with members of the Sri Lankan community in Melbourne, recognising their role as one of Australia’s largest migrant communities and among the country’s most highly skilled diaspora groups. He praised their contributions to Australian society and their efforts in fostering enduring links between the two nations.
Further strengthening parliamentary connections, Minister Herath met with members of the Sri Lanka–Australia Parliamentary Friendship Group. He expressed appreciation for the leadership of Chair Cassandra Fernando MP, who has been instrumental in promoting stronger bilateral relations and cultural exchanges. During the meeting, he invited Australian parliamentarians to visit Sri Lanka to explore new avenues for cooperation.
The visit also included discussions with Australia’s Minister for Small Business, International Development and Multicultural Affairs, Dr Anne Aly. Their talks highlighted the valuable contributions of the Sri Lankan diaspora to Australia’s multicultural fabric and economic growth.
Minister Herath’s visit underscored the growing partnership between Sri Lanka and Australia, with both countries expressing a commitment to expanding cooperation across diplomacy, trade, security, education and community engagement.
