Friday Oct 09, 2026
Friday Oct 09, 2026
Friday, 9 October 2026 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
Lithuania and Sri Lanka have taken an important step towards closer bilateral relations following a three day official visit by Lithuania’s Foreign Affairs Vice-Minister Vidmantas Verbickas. Held as the two countries celebrate 30 years of diplomatic relations, the visit combined their first formal political consultations with discussions on digital transformation, academic engagement and economic cooperation.
The Vice-Minister visited Sri Lanka from 4 to 6 October at the invitation of Foreign Affairs Deputy Minister Arun Hemachandra. Ambassador of Lithuania to Sri Lanka Diana Mickevieiene joined the engagements alongside the Lithuanian delegation, which departed Sri Lanka on 7 October.
The central diplomatic engagement was the inaugural political consultations at Sri Lanka’s Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Ministry, co-chaired by Vice-Minister Verbickas and Deputy Minister Hemachandra. Discussions covered bilateral political relations, domestic and regional developments, trade and investment, tourism, and cooperation in multilateral forums, including the United Nations and candidatures.
The signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on political consultations gave these exchanges a framework for continued engagement. Regular consultations will allow the two countries to review their relationship, follow up on shared priorities and address matters of mutual interest through direct dialogue.
For Sri Lanka, the mechanism offers a means of deepening ties with Lithuania, a European Union member, while developing partnerships in areas where the two countries have complementary interests. Its significance lies in creating continuity, allowing the discussions held during the visit to become part of a sustained diplomatic process.
Foreign Secretary Aruni Ranaraja, together with the heads and senior officials of the Ministry, extended their fullest support to making the visit successful and fruitful. Their guidance and coordination, alongside the work of the Protocol Division, helped facilitate the meetings and the wider official program.
Digital cooperation emerged as a substantial area of common interest. In discussions with Digital Economy Deputy Minister Eng. Eranga Weeraratne, the delegation explored cooperation in digitalisation, GovTech, digital public services and artificial intelligence. Lithuania expressed its readiness to share experience in developing secure, innovative and people centred digital solutions.
The delegation’s visit to GovTech Sri Lanka and meeting with the Sri Lanka Association for Software and Services Companies (SLASSCOM) connected this dialogue with institutions and businesses involved in Sri Lanka’s digital development. Discussions addressed digital infrastructure, financial technology, information and communication technology, innovation, effective public services and the growth of technology businesses.
Lithuania’s experience in digital government and its growing FinTech sector offer a basis for practical cooperation. The meetings provided an opportunity to exchange experiences and explore how expertise, institutional links and business partnerships could support Sri Lanka’s digital economy.
Academic engagement was another important part of the program. At the University of Colombo, Vice-Minister Verbickas met Vice Chancellor Prof. Indika Mahesh Karunathilake and delivered a lecture on Lithuania’s foreign and security policy in a changing geopolitical context.
Students, faculty, experts and journalists participated in the exchange, gaining insight into Lithuania’s perspective on the evolving international security environment. The engagement strengthened direct contact with Sri Lanka’s academic community and encouraged a wider understanding of the two countries’ interests and experiences.
Closer academic relations could create new pathways for Sri Lankan students, researchers and professionals to connect with Lithuanian universities, research institutions and industries. Academic exchanges, joint research, postgraduate education and professional training are
promising areas for future collaboration. Developing these opportunities will require continued engagement between the relevant institutions, building on the contacts established during the visit.
The delegation also met representatives of the European Union in Colombo and visited the Honorary Consulate of Lithuania, where Honorary Consul R.M. Manivannan warmly hosted the visitors. Discussions considered the Consulate’s contribution to bilateral relations and opportunities to strengthen trade, technology, business and institutional cooperation.
The delegation expressed appreciation for the Honorary Consul’s support and for the continued commitment of Kanchana Kodituwakku and the Consulate team to strengthening friendship and ties between the people of both countries.
Beyond the official meetings, the visit reflected the personal and cultural connections that sustain the relationship. In Ahangama, a gathering hosted by Vilma Mockuviene brought the delegation together with Lithuanian nationals residing in Sri Lanka. It offered an opportunity to hear about their experiences and recognise their contribution to friendship and cultural understanding. Visits to historic Galle Fort and Gangaramaya Temple also introduced the delegation to aspects of Sri Lanka’s heritage.
The anniversary was celebrated through a special concert co organised by the Embassy of Lithuania, Alliance Française de Colombo and the Honorary Consulate. Lithuanian pianist Aleksandra Kolpakovaite-Dharmawardhane and Sri Lankan violinist Shehani Fernando performed works by composers from both countries, including Lithuania’s celebrated composer and artist Mikalojus Konstantinas iurlionis.
Vice-Minister Verbickas and Foreign Secretary Aruni Ranaraja addressed the gathering, highlighting the role of cultural exchange in strengthening bilateral relations. A reception hosted by the Honorary Consul brought together government representatives, diplomats, business leaders and other distinguished guests to mark the anniversary and continue discussions in an informal setting.
The Embassy of Lithuania to Sri Lanka, under the leadership of Ambassador Diana Mickevieiene, and Honorary Consul R. M. Manivannan extended their fullest support to the mission. Their coordination with the Consulate team and Sri Lankan partner institutions contributed to a
program that brought diplomatic discussions together with technological, academic, cultural and community engagement.
Thirty years after the establishment of diplomatic relations, the visit demonstrated the scope for a more active partnership between Lithuania and Sri Lanka. The political consultation mechanism provides a lasting diplomatic foundation, while the digital and academic exchanges offer areas in which both countries can pursue practical results. Continued engagement will be central to turning these opportunities into benefits for institutions, businesses and people in both countries.
