Vietnam and Sri Lanka Strengthen Bilateral Ties with Focus on Tourism, Environment, and Parliamentary Cooperation

Published on November 26, 2025

Vietnamese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Trinh Thi Tam has called on Sri Lanka’s Minister of Environment Dr. Dammika Patabendi in Colombo on November 25, 2025 to discuss ways and means of strengthening bilateral cooperation in many areas, with a focus on strengthening parliamentary relations and people-to-people exchanges. The talks have focused on ways of increasing tourism and sectoral collaboration to lay the ground for deeper strategic partnerships between both countries.

Addressing Recent Environmental Challenges and Promoting Cooperation

Minister Patabendi expressed his sympathy for the Vietnamese communities affected by recent storms and floods while also acknowledging the challenges faced by Sri Lanka in dealing with landslides due to heavy rainfall. This shared environmental concern underscored the need for collaborative efforts to tackle climate change, disaster resilience, and sustainable environmental practices. Both sides agreed to strengthen efforts in environmental cooperation, which could involve joint initiatives focused on waste management, marine conservation, and green growth.

Strengthening Parliamentary Ties Through Key Visits and Agreements

Minister Patabendi noted that the visit of National Assembly Vice Chairman Nguyen Duc Hai to Sri Lanka in March 2025 played a pivotal role in fostering new momentum for parliamentary cooperation between both nations. This visit helped set the stage for the Sri Lanka–Vietnam Parliamentary Friendship Group, which was established in March 2025, to facilitate ongoing dialogue. The group has played an active role in marking the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Sri Lanka and Vietnam, with both the Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the Sri Lankan Parliament attending related events.

Key Developments in Bilateral Cooperation: Tourism, Culture, and Trade

Cultural exchange between the two countries was further emphasized, particularly the State visit by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to Vietnam in May 2025. During this visit, both countries issued a Joint Statement outlining their shared commitments to expanding cooperation in several key sectors, including parliamentary affairs, trade, agriculture, fisheries, education, and culture. This statement reinforced the foundation for a long-term partnership, benefiting both nations in various fields.

Tourism Growth: Expanding Opportunities for Both Sri Lanka and Vietnam

Tourism collaboration between Sri Lanka and Vietnam has also grown significantly, with the countries working toward enhanced connectivity and shared tourism promotions. In 2024, 3,000 Vietnamese tourists visited Sri Lanka, and the two nations are now working toward launching a direct flight in 2026. The planned flight route will enhance tourism flow and make it easier for travelers from both countries to explore each other’s cultures and attractions.

This collaboration comes as Vietnam continues to strengthen its tourism offerings, and Sri Lanka sees growing interest from Vietnamese visitors who are attracted to the island’s natural beauty and rich cultural heritage.

Strengthening Education and Cultural Exchange

Education remains another pillar of the Sri Lanka-Vietnam partnership. Ten Sri Lankan students recently received full scholarships to pursue Vietnamese-language degree programs at prominent universities in Vietnam. This move aligns with the long-term goal of both countries to build closer ties through academic exchange and the promotion of cultural diplomacy.

The Ho Chi Minh memorial site at the Colombo Public Library is also an important project, contributing to the development of cultural tourism and public knowledge of the shared history between the two countries.

Environmental Collaboration: Joint Efforts to Tackle Global Challenges

One of the most critical aspects of the meeting was the emphasis on environmental collaboration between Sri Lanka and Vietnam. Dr. Ayub Macharia from NEMA (National Environment Management Authority) in Sri Lanka highlighted the importance of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and the role of waste pickers in tackling plastic pollution and ensuring that waste management practices align with the principles of circular economy. Both parties agreed on the need to develop appropriate cooperation frameworks for tackling climate change, nature conservation, and green growth.

These joint efforts are vital as both countries face significant environmental challenges. By sharing best practices and fostering closer collaboration, Vietnam and Sri Lanka can contribute to global environmental protection initiatives while improving local practices related to sustainability and eco-friendly development.

Minister Patabendi’s Upcoming Participation in UNEA-7

Minister Patabendi informed Ambassador Tam that he would be attending the 7th session of the UN Environment Assembly (UNEA-7) in Kenya in December 2025, where Sri Lanka plans to submit a resolution on the role of youth in environmental protection. This is an important step in further strengthening both countries’ engagement in global environmental discussions.

During the UNEA-7, Sri Lanka intends to discuss key environmental challenges and seek Vietnam’s support on the resolution. This engagement in international environmental governance reflects both countries’ commitment to sustainable development and addressing the environmental challenges facing South and Southeast Asia.

Future Plans for Expanding Bilateral Exchanges and Cooperation

As the Sri Lanka–Vietnam Parliamentary Friendship Group continues its work, Dr. Patabendi reaffirmed that future inter-parliamentary exchanges would focus on strengthening ties between both nations and expanding cooperation in areas such as tourism, cultural heritage, and economic growth. The two sides agreed to coordinate future activities to celebrate the 15th anniversary of the reopening of the Vietnamese Embassy in Colombo and to further develop the Ho Chi Minh memorial site in Sri Lanka.

These efforts aim to build stronger connections between the Sri Lankan and Vietnamese peoples, fostering mutual understanding and laying the groundwork for future collaboration in areas that will benefit both countries economically, socially, and culturally.

Stronger Sri Lanka-Vietnam Relations for Long-Term Growth

The growing partnership for tourism, cultural exchange, education, and environmental collaboration was indicated at a meeting between Ambassador Trinh Thi Tam and Minister Dr. Dammika Patabendi. Given the emphasis on sustainable practices and long-term bilateral cooperation, both Sri Lanka and Vietnam can emerge as international leaders in environmentally responsible tourism and cultural diplomacy. Consequently, new opportunities will be opened for growth in tourism, economic development, and people-to-people exchanges, thereby ensuring that the relationship between Sri Lanka and Vietnam will blossom further in the years to come.