Embassy of Korea in Sri Lanka celebrates Korea’s National Foundation Day; 49 years of bilateral ties

Labour Minister and Finance and Planning Deputy Minister Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando 

The Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Sri Lanka on Friday hosted a grand celebration at Shangri-La, Colombo to mark Korea’s 4,359th National Foundation Day. 

This year’s celebration also commemorated 49 years of diplomatic relations between Korea and Sri Lanka, highlighting the longstanding and multifaceted partnership between the two countries.

The occasion was graced by several distinguished guests, including Labour Minister and Finance and Planning Deputy Minister Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando, who attended as the Chief Guest, Cabinet Ministers, Ministry Secretaries, Ambassadors, members of the Korean community, and representatives from various sectors of Sri Lankan society, all of whom have contributed to the ongoing partnership between Korea and Sri Lanka.

In her opening remarks, Embassy of the Republic of Korea Chargé d’ Affaires Eunji Kang warmly welcomed the guests and highlighted the longstanding and close diplomatic ties between Korea and Sri Lanka, which dates back to 1977.

Emphasising that the bilateral relationship extends far beyond government-to-government cooperation, Kang outlined how Korea-Sri Lanka relations have continued to flourish through strong people-to-people connections in areas such as employment, education, and tourism. She also expressed her appreciation to the Government of Sri Lanka for the introduction of the tourism Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) exemption for Korean nationals, noting that the initiative would help facilitate greater travel and people-to-people exchanges between the two countries.

Commending Sri Lanka’s economic recovery despite a series of internal and external challenges, Kang reaffirmed Korea’s steadfast support for Sri Lanka’s development priorities through close continued cooperation.

In his keynote address, Dr. Fernando, speaking on behalf of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, the Government, and the people of Sri Lanka, extended warm felicitations and heartfelt good wishes to the President, Government, and people of the Republic of Korea on the occasion of Korea’s National Foundation Day.

Referring to the deep-rooted historical ties between Korea and Sri Lanka, dating back to the 5th century AD, Dr. Fernando highlighted the strong people-to-people bonds between the two nations and expressed appreciation for Korea’s steadfast commitment to the welfare and well-being of Sri Lankan workers in Korea.

The Minister also welcomed Korea’s decision to ease its travel advisory for Sri Lanka to Level 1 in 2024, noting the resulting growth in South Korean tourist arrivals, which reached approximately 12,000 in 2025. He further welcomed Korean visitors under Sri Lanka’s visa-free entry scheme.

Recalling with deep gratitude Korea’s solidarity and emergency assistance to Sri Lanka following Cyclone Ditwah, the Minister emphasised Korea’s important role as a longstanding economic partner while highlighting the Government’s keen interest in unlocking further untapped potential, exploring new avenues for business cooperation, and strengthening bilateral trade and investment between the two countries.

This year’s National Foundation Day celebration offered guests a unique sensory experience, showcasing the richness of Korean traditional culture, wellness, technology, and culinary heritage. Reflecting the theme of the ‘K-Initiative,’ the event featured a special showcase of K-beauty products, with the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA) presenting a range of Korean cosmetics and skincare products. The showcase demonstrated Korea’s growing global influence in the beauty and wellness industries.

Visitors also had the opportunity to explore the latest technological innovations at a booth hosted by LG Electronics. The display offered a glimpse into Korea’s cutting-edge technological advancements and further highlighted the country’s reputation for innovation.

The Korea Food Corner provided guests with an authentic taste of Korean cuisine, featuring a variety of popular dishes, including Kimbap, Bulgogi, Korean braised chicken, Korean pancakes, Kimchi, and Tteokbokki in three different flavours. Traditional Korean beverages and sweets, including sujeonggwa, yanggaeng, and hangwa, were also served and proved popular among the guests.

As in previous years, the celebration was further enriched by the enthusiastic participation of the Korean community in Sri Lanka. Musical performances by the Sri Lanka Navy Band added to the festive atmosphere, while students from the University of Kelaniya captivated the audience with a performance of ‘Buchaechum,’ the renowned traditional Korean fan dance.

The celebration served not only as a commemoration of Korea’s National Foundation Day but also as a vibrant reflection of the deepening friendship, cultural exchange, and multifaceted cooperation between Korea and Sri Lanka as the two countries approach the 50th anniversary of their diplomatic relations.