Foreign Minister’s Official Visit to Australia Strengthens Bilateral Cooperation
Sri Lanka’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, Vijitha Herath, undertook an official visit to Australia from 1 to 3 June 2026 at the invitation of the Australian Government. The visit marked the first official visit by a Sri Lankan Foreign Minister to Australia in more than a decade.
During the visit, Minister Herath held bilateral discussions with Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong on a wide range of issues, including trade, security cooperation, tourism, education, and sports.
He also met with Speaker of the Australian Parliament Milton Dick, Minister Anne Aly, Special Envoy for Indian Ocean Affairs Tim Watts, and members of the Australia–Sri Lanka Parliamentary Friendship Group.
A key outcome of the discussions was Australia’s reaffirmation of its support for Sri Lanka’s bid to join the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), highlighting the growing economic partnership between the two countries.
As part of the visit, Minister Herath met with the Governor of Victoria, Margaret Gardner, and the Premier of Victoria, Jacinta Allan. He also addressed the Sri Lanka–Victoria Industry Roundtable hosted by Global Victoria and engaged with business leaders to explore trade and investment opportunities.
The Minister further met with members of the Sri Lankan community in Canberra, reaffirming the Government’s commitment to strengthening ties with Sri Lankans living abroad.
The visit reflects the renewed commitment of both Sri Lanka and Australia to deepen bilateral relations and expand cooperation across a broad range of sectors.
Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to Australia, Yasoja Gunasekera, and Director General for East Asia and Oceania, Savitri Panabokke, accompanied the Minister during the visit. The Consul General of Sri Lanka in Melbourne also participated in the programmes held in Victoria.
