Sajith praises Vietnam’s economic transformation, calls for stronger cooperation

Saturday, 9 May 2026 02:52 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa yesterday welcomed Vietnamese President Tô Lâm to Parliament, describing Vietnam as a model for transforming conflict and adversity into sustained economic growth and inclusive development.

Addressing Parliament during the Vietnamese President’s official visit, Premadasa said Vietnam’s “Doi Moi” reforms had enabled the country to emerge as one of the world’s fastest-growing economies while attracting billions of dollars in foreign direct investment annually. He pointed to Vietnam’s ability to attract global manufacturers, including Samsung, through policy consistency and economic planning, adding that Sri Lanka could draw lessons from Vietnam’s approach to macroeconomic and microeconomic management.

Premadasa also highlighted the longstanding ties between Sri Lanka and Vietnam, recalling visits by former Vietnamese leaders including Ho Chi Minh and Phạm Văn Đồng. He commended Vietnam’s non-aligned foreign policy stance and called for deeper cooperation between the two countries in advanced technology sectors, including electronics, artificial intelligence, and innovation-driven industries.

He expressed confidence that President Tô Lâm’s visit would further strengthen bilateral relations and expand cooperation between Sri Lanka and Vietnam.