President Luong Cuong and his Sri Lankan counterpart Anura Kumara Dissanayaka review the Guard of Honour of the Vietnam People’s Army.
On the morning of May 5, at the Presidential Palace, President Luong Cuong chaired a welcome ceremony for his Sri Lankan counterpart Anura Kumara Dissanayaka, who is on a State visit to Vietnam and attending the United Nations Day of Vesak celebrations from May 4–6.
This marks Dissanayake’s first visit to Vietnam in his capacity as President, which he assumed in November 2024. It takes place at a meaningful time, as both nations are celebrating the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations (July 21, 1970 – July 21, 2025). The visit is expected to strengthen political trust and advance substantive, effective cooperation across all fields.
As the motorcade entered the Presidential Palace, the Vietnamese State leader warmly welcomed President Dissanayaka and the high-level Sri Lankan delegation on the red carpet. Children representing the capital presented the Sri Lankan President with a bouquet of fresh flowers.
In a welcoming atmosphere, the two leaders walked along the red carpet to the podium. After the national anthems of both countries were played, they reviewed the Guard of Honour of the Vietnam People’s Army. The two leaders then introduced the senior members of their delegations.
Vietnam and Sri Lanka established diplomatic relations on July 21, 1970. Since then, their bilateral ties have seen positive development. Sri Lanka is a traditional friend of Vietnam, holding deep appreciation and respect for the relationship.
The current Sri Lankan government sees Vietnam as a successful model of economic development and global integration.
The enduring bilateral relationship has been promoted through regular high-level visits and exchanges. In March 2025, the Sri Lankan Parliament established the Sri Lanka–Vietnam Parliamentary Friendship Group, marking a new milestone in inter-parliamentary ties. The two sides also continue to work closely at regional and international forums.
On the economic and trade ties, Sri Lanka has recognized Vietnam as a full market economy. Bilateral trade currently stands at around US$200 million annually, mostly from Vietnamese exports. Both sides aim to raise this figure to US$1 billion in the near future.
With 55 years of diplomatic relations, high political trust, and notable socio-economic achievements in both countries, Vietnam and Sri Lanka are well-positioned to deepen their traditional friendship and expand cooperation. Leaders from both sides have agreed that this is a favourable time to add fresh impetus their relationship.
President Dissanayaka’s visit which also includes attending the UN Day of Vesak, underscores Sri Lanka’s special regard for its ties with Vietnam.
It reaffirms both countries’ shared commitment to further stepping up cooperation in traditional areas such as politics, diplomacy, trade, investment, agriculture, fisheries, tourism, culture, and people-to-people exchanges. At the same time, it opens up prospects for co-operation in emerging sectors such as digital transformation, the digital economy, energy transition, artificial intelligence, and connectivity.
Following the welcome ceremony, the two State leader held talks to review recent cooperation and discuss future directions. They are also scheduled to witness the signing of cooperation documents and meet with the press to announce the outcomes of their talks.
