Friday Feb 27, 2026
Friday Feb 27, 2026
Friday, 27 February 2026 00:24 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
Portuguese State and Foreign Affairs Minister Paulo Rangel
Pic by Ruwan Walpola
By Charumini de Silva
Portuguese State and Foreign Affairs Minister Paulo Rangel called for a “new era” in relations between Sri Lanka and Portugal, identifying renewable energy, tourism, infrastructure, and digital development as key pillars for deeper engagement.
In an exclusive interview with the Daily FT during his two-day official visit, Rangel said there was “enormous empathy and fraternity” between the two nations, rooted in shared history and maritime identity, whilst stressing that ties must now move towards a more structured economic partnership.
“We have a tremendous opportunity to improve our relationship,” he said, noting that the two countries are marking 75 years of diplomatic engagement and 50 years since the formal re-establishment of relations.
As a concrete outcome of the visit, he said both countries agreed to reactivate their Joint Cultural Commission, expanding cooperation into education, research, innovation, and technology.
“Our friendship must have concrete content,” Rangel said, signalling a shift from symbolic ties to structured partnership.
He said Portugal, which generates around 87% of its electricity from renewable sources, sees strong collaboration potential in solar and wind energy development in Sri Lanka.
Rangel also underscored cooperation in the blue economy, climate action, and ocean governance, emphasising that smaller maritime nations must defend multilateralism amid rising geopolitical tensions.
“The sea is not only our condition; it is an opportunity for growth,” he said.
The Foreign Minister highlighted rising two-way tourism flows and pointed to infrastructure and public works as areas where Portuguese firms could contribute. The digital sector was also identified as an emerging domain for bilateral cooperation.
On Sri Lanka’s EU Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) trade concession, due for review in 2027, Rangel acknowledged “clear progress” by Colombo and indicated that further reforms would help strengthen confidence within the EU.
“Portugal will continue to advocate constructive engagement between Sri Lanka and the EU,” he said.
https://www.ft.lk/opinion/Portugal-signals-deeper-engagement-with-Sri-Lanka/14-788891
