Tuesday May 19, 2026
Tuesday May 19, 2026
Tuesday, 19 May 2026 02:36 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
Sri Lanka and Belarus have taken steps to deepen bilateral cooperation with the signing of an air services agreement and two Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) on higher education and healthcare during Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Minister Vijitha Herath’s official visit to Belarus from 12 to 15 May.
A key outcome of the visit was the signing of a bilateral air services agreement alongside two MoUs covering cooperation in higher education and healthcare, reflecting both countries’ efforts to expand engagement in strategic sectors.
The official program began in Minsk with a wreath-laying ceremony at the Victory Monument, where Minister Herath paid tribute to fallen soldiers and honoured the sacrifices of the Belarusian people.
During the visit, Minister Herath called on Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko, Republic Council Chairperson Natalya Kochanova, and held bilateral discussions with Foreign Minister Maxim Ryzhenkov. Both sides reviewed progress in bilateral relations since the establishment of diplomatic ties, which marked its 25th anniversary last year, and agreed that considerable scope exists to further strengthen cooperation.
The two countries also agreed to convene the next session of the Inter-Governmental Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation, along with the Third Round of Political Consultations, later this year.
Minister Herath extended an invitation to Ryzhenkov to visit Sri Lanka, which was accepted.
As part of the visit, Minister Herath met Belarusian Health Minister Aliaksandr Khajayeu and signed a MoU on healthcare cooperation. He also visited the Belarusian State Medical University.
Separate discussions were also held with Education Minister Andrei Ivanets, with the welfare of nearly 3,000 Sri Lankan students studying in Belarus emerging as a major focus.
Tourism and connectivity also featured prominently in the discussions, with Minister Herath inviting Belavia to consider launching direct flights between Colombo and Minsk amid growing travel demand between the two countries. Over 10,000 Belarusian tourists visit Sri Lanka annually, and the Belarusian side welcomed Sri Lanka’s recent decision to offer free Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to visitors from 40 countries, including Belarus.
Minister Herath also addressed a business and tourism roundtable organised by the Belarus National Export Promotion Centre, where education, tourism, trade, and potential Belarusian investment in key sectors were discussed with business leaders and Government representatives.
The visit concluded with an interaction with the Sri Lankan student community during a cultural event in Minsk, underscoring the growing partnership between the two countries and their shared commitment to expanding cooperation across multiple sectors.
The Sri Lankan delegation at the meetings included Ambassador to Russia with concurrent accreditation to Belarus Shobini Gunasekera, Foreign Ministry Director General – Europe and North America Sugeeshwara Gunaratna, and Sri Lanka Embassy in Moscow First Secretary – Commercial Sanjeewa Bandara.
