Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath Concludes a Successful Official Visit to Australia
June 3, 2026
Vijitha Herath, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment & Tourism concluded a successful visit to Australia from 31 May to 03 June 2026. In a significant step towards deepening bilateral relations between Sri Lanka and Australia, a series of high-level engagements were held during the visit in Melbourne and Canberra, focusing on economic partnerships, regional security, diaspora engagement and parliamentary diplomacy.
Foreign Minister Herath commenced his visit in Melbourne where he met with H.E. Professor Hon. Margaret Gardner, Governor of Victoria, Hon Jacinta Allan, Premier of Victoria and participated at a roundtable discussion jointly hosted by Global Victoria and the Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Melbourne.
In Canberra, Minister Herath met his counterpart Senator the Hon. Penny Wong, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Australia and the Leader of the Government in the Senate, who stressed Australia’s interest in elevating the bilateral relations with Sri Lanka in maritime and economic cooperation to support a peaceful, stable and prosperous Indian Ocean. Minister Herath noted that Sri Lanka’s relationship with Australia is one of our oldest diplomatic relationships, having commenced in 1947 and that there have been a number of high-level visits in recent months that are a testament to the growing relationship between the two countries, including the visit of the Governor General of Australia in August 2025. He briefed the Australian Foreign Minister on Sri Lanka Expo 2027 to be held in January 2027 in Colombo and invited an Australian delegation to use the platform to connect with diverse industries, export capabilities and investment opportunities in Sri Lanka. Minister Herath also discussed on possible cooperation and capacity building in cyber security.
The regional focus of the visit was further consolidated during a meeting with the Hon. Tim Watts, the Prime Minister of Australia’s Special Envoy for Indian Ocean Affairs. As Indian Ocean neighbours, both countries reaffirmed their vital interest in regional security through ongoing defence cooperation and blue economy initiatives, committing to a growing maritime partnership.
Minister Herath paid a courtesy call on the Speaker of the Parliament of Australia, Hon. Milton Dick. The discussions with the Speaker centred on strengthening parliamentary relations between the two countries. Foreign Minister also had the opportunity to observe the Question Time in the Australian House of Representatives.
The Foreign Minister held discussions with the Sri Lanka-Australia Parliamentary Friendship Group and expressed appreciation to the Chair of the Friendship Group Hon. Cassandra Fernando MP, who is of Sri Lankan origin for her leadership in championing stronger bilateral relations and cultural exchanges. Foreign Minister briefed the Members of the Parliament on Sri Lanka’s economic recovery, and the emerging opportunities in trade, tourism and investments.
Minister Herath also met with Hon. Dr. Anne Aly, Minister for International Development, Multicultural Affairs, and Small Business, who re-affirmed Australia’s interest in engagement with Sri Lanka as a steadfast reliable development partner. The dialogue also highlighted the invaluable contributions of the vibrant Sri Lankan diaspora to Australia’s multicultural success and economy.
The visit concluded with a Community Event at the Sri Lanka High Commission, where the Foreign Minister connected directly with members of the Sri Lankan community from Canberra, Sydney, and Queensland.
Minister Herath was accompanied at these high-level engagements by H.E. Ms. Yasoja Gunasekera, High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to Australia, Ms. Savitri Panabokke, Director General, East Asia and Oceania of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment & Tourism of Sri Lanka, and senior officials of the Sri Lanka High Commission in Canberra.
The Sri Lanka High Commission
Canberra
03 June 2026
