Vietnam is a Symbol of Anti-Imperialist Pride: President Anura Kumara Dissanayake
09-May-2026.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake stated that Sri Lanka views Vietnam not merely as a country, but as a symbol of anti-imperialist pride and a living example of economic transformation, adding that his main objective is to increase bilateral trade to USD 1 billion by 2030.
He made these remarks while addressing a joint press conference held with Vietnamese President To Lam at the Presidential Secretariat on May 8.
The President further stated:
President To Lam, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam and President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, distinguished members of the Vietnamese delegation, representatives, and friends from the media,
First of all, on behalf of the Government and people of Sri Lanka, I warmly welcome President To Lam and the high-level delegation accompanying him on this historic state visit.
The global peace walk led by the respected Vietnamese monk Venerable Pannyakara Thera, which travelled through Sri Lanka, further demonstrated the long-standing relations between our two countries spanning centuries. With the arrival of the Vietnamese President today, our diplomatic relations will be further strengthened.
On the world political map, we do not see Vietnam merely as another country, but as a symbol of unwavering resistance against imperialism and a living testimony of economic transformation.
Vietnam has a proud history that inspired liberation struggles across the world, and its achievements are written in golden letters in world history. The manner in which Vietnam was rebuilt under the guidance of great leaders such as Ho Chi Minh, amidst enormous challenges, is truly remarkable. We extend our congratulations to Vietnam for emerging as a major production hub in Southeast Asia.
I am pleased that following his assumption of office, President To Lam has chosen Sri Lanka as his first state visit to the South Asian region.
Sri Lanka, a nation that values freedom, maintaining close relations with a country with Vietnam’s history, is a matter of great significance and reflects the deep friendship between our nations.
I also extend my heartfelt congratulations to President To Lam on being reappointed for a second term as President and General Secretary. This renewed mandate reflects the trust placed in his leadership by the Vietnamese people. Under his continued guidance, Vietnam will rise to even greater heights.
This visit is a historic milestone in bilateral relations. Today, Sri Lanka and Vietnam have agreed to elevate existing diplomatic relations to the level of a Comprehensive Partnership, reflecting the maturity, strength and future potential of our ties.
A short while ago, President To Lam and I held extensive and productive discussions. We reviewed the current status of our relationship and explored ways to strengthen cooperation across multiple sectors.
Economically, I commended Vietnam’s achievements in manufacturing, export growth and integration into global value chains. I also briefed the President on Sri Lanka’s recent economic progress following major challenges.
Both countries view this as an opportune moment to strengthen economic cooperation. With the shared goal of reaching USD 1 billion in bilateral trade by 2030, we discussed ways to enhance trade and achieve a more balanced trade relationship.
I thanked President To Lam for bringing a Vietnamese trade delegation of 50 members, demonstrating confidence in Sri Lanka’s investment environment and strategic potential. An investment promotion programme including this delegation has been organised this afternoon.
I invited Vietnamese businesses to explore investment and business opportunities in renewable energy, logistics, infrastructure development, tourism and manufacturing. Sri Lanka’s strategic location in the Indian Ocean and emerging economic outlook create strong opportunities for mutually beneficial partnerships.
Sri Lanka expressed appreciation for the decision by Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet Air to commence direct flights between Colombo and Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi from this year. This will strengthen tourism, trade, investment and people-to-people connectivity.
Energy cooperation was another key area discussed. Sri Lanka is committed to transitioning towards clean and sustainable energy, and we discussed cooperation in solar and wind power. Emerging sectors such as electric mobility and electric vehicle manufacturing were also explored.
As Sri Lanka advances towards building a digital economy, we discussed opportunities for cooperation in IT, artificial intelligence and digital public infrastructure. Such cooperation will foster innovation and create new economic opportunities.
Agriculture remains vital for both countries. We discussed Vietnam’s impressive progress in agricultural modernisation, mechanisation and export competitiveness. We agreed to strengthen cooperation in technology transfer, capacity building and post-harvest management.
Today, Vietnam donated 100 metric tonnes of urea and super phosphate fertiliser to Sri Lanka, for which we express our gratitude.
We also discussed defence cooperation, reaffirming our shared commitment to regional peace and stability. We agreed to enhance cooperation in training, knowledge exchange and contributions to UN peacekeeping missions.
Cultural and people-to-people ties are essential to the growth of bilateral relations. President Ho Chi Minh’s three visits to Sri Lanka symbolise the deep friendship between our nations.
I will join President To Lam in paying tribute at the Ho Chi Minh statue and also participate in launching the expansion of the Ho Chi Minh wing at the Colombo Public Library.
Following our discussions, several MoUs were signed covering science and technology, police cooperation, information communication and religious and cultural cooperation.
Sri Lanka and Vietnam have both overcome destructive conflicts and divisive regional attempts. Both are developing Asian nations with similar per capita income levels. Sri Lanka remains Vietnam’s fourth-largest trading partner. Our strategic locations along global shipping routes offer unique opportunities for bilateral and multilateral trade and joint ventures.
Finally, I sincerely thank President To Lam and his delegation for undertaking this official visit and for Vietnam’s continued friendship.
By moving towards practical programmes in technology, defence and economic sectors, we will work together to build a proud future for both nations. Long live Sri Lanka–Vietnam friendship.
