The fourth round of Foreign Office Consultations between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, led by the Foreign Secretaries of both countries, successfully concluded in Colombo on 6 November 2025. The consultations were co-chaired by Aruni Ranaraja, Secretary to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism of Sri Lanka, and Asad Alam Siam, Foreign Secretary of Bangladesh. This round marked a continuation of the dialogue, following the third round held in Dhaka in 2017.
The consultations provided a platform to review all aspects of bilateral cooperation and explore new areas for collaboration across sectors including agriculture, education, health, trade, investment, digital economy, defense, connectivity, tourism, fisheries, youth affairs, culture, and people-to-people contacts. Both sides highlighted opportunities to expand investments and economic cooperation. Sri Lanka invited Bangladeshi investors to participate in development projects, logistics services, cultivation, and tourism-related ventures, while Bangladesh welcomed further Sri Lankan investments in EPZs, SEZs, and API Industrial Parks, particularly in pharmaceuticals, hospitality, tourism, automobiles, ICT, renewable energy, agro-processing, leather, and footwear.
Acknowledging Bangladesh’s support of USD 200 million during Sri Lanka’s economic challenges in 2022, both sides emphasized trade facilitation, early convening of the Trade Negotiating Committee, and engagement of private sectors to deepen economic cooperation. Bangladesh requested the streamlining of pharmaceuticals product registration in Sri Lanka, while both parties agreed to finalize pending legal instruments to boost trade, investment, and connectivity.
Connectivity and tourism were key discussion points, with both countries exploring the strengthening of the shipping sector, including potential port connectivity between Chattogram and Colombo. Sri Lanka expressed interest in developing Green Tourism, which Bangladesh welcomed, proposing joint initiatives such as Tea and Buddhist tourism circuits and finalization of an MoU on Tourism Cooperation. Collaboration in agriculture and fisheries was emphasized, focusing on water resource management, deep-sea fishing, and freshwater fish farming. Bangladesh invited Sri Lankan farmers for exposure visits and offered cooperation in livestock development.
Education, health, and youth development were also discussed, with Bangladesh appreciating Sri Lanka’s proposal to increase annual training slots for Bangladeshi nurses. Both sides agreed to exchange diploma programmes in athletics, sports science, and cricket, and to enhance cooperation between national news agencies. Bangladesh proposed the creation of a Bangladesh–Sri Lanka Tech Corridor to promote digital innovation, while both countries reaffirmed their commitment to regional cooperation through SAARC, BIMSTEC, and IORA. Bangladesh also sought Sri Lanka’s support for the safe and dignified return of Rohingyas.
During the visit, the Bangladeshi Foreign Secretary paid courtesy calls on Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya and Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment Arun Hemachandra. He extended an invitation to the Sri Lankan Foreign Secretary to visit Dhaka for the fifth round of Foreign Office Consultations next year.
The Bangladeshi delegation included High Commissioner Andalib Elias and senior officials from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Shipping, and Commerce, while the Sri Lankan delegation comprised High Commissioner Dharmapala Weerakkody, Director General Samantha Pathirana, and senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment & Tourism, and other relevant agencies.
