Foreign relations of Sri Lanka

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Foreign relations of Sri Lanka refers to the diplomatic and commercial relations between Sri Lanka and other countries. Sri Lanka has stressed its principle of "friendship towards all, enmity towards none" in its diplomacy.

Sri Lanka since the 1950s has followed a non-aligned foreign policy and does not take sides with major powers.[1] Since the end of the Cold War in Asia, the country has pursued better relations with all major powers and seeks to strengthen its diplomatic, economic and military ties with China, India, Pakistan, Russia, the United States, Japan, South Korea and the European Union. Sri Lanka has also forged close ties with the member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), African Union and Arab League.

Sri Lanka participates in multilateral diplomacy, particularly at the United Nations, where it seeks to promote sovereignty, independence, and development in the developing world. Sri Lanka was a founding member of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM). It also is a member of the Commonwealth of Nations, South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), World Bank, International Monetary Fund (IMF), Asian Development Bank (ADB), Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (as dialogue partner) and Colombo Plan. Sri Lanka continues its active participation in the NAM, while also stressing the importance it places on regionalism by playing a strong role in SAARC.

Sri Lanka Ambassador to the European Union Grace Asirwatham.

History

The goal of Sri Lanka's foreign policy is to maintain a strong, independent, powerful and unitary Sri Lanka; The Sri Lankan foreign policy establishment maintains that in achieving this goal.

Sri Lanka's foreign policy has been founded in the national interest. In a period of rapid and continuing change, foreign policy capable of responding optimally to new challenges and opportunities. It has to be an integral part of the larger effort of building the nation's capabilities through economic development, strengthening social fabric and well-being of the people and protecting Sri Lanka's sovereignty and territorial integrity. Sri Lanka's foreign policy is a forward-looking engagement with the rest of the world, based on a rigorous, realistic and contemporary assessment of the bilateral, regional and global geo-political and economic milieu.

Military

The Sri Lanka Armed Forces is the overall unified military of Sri Lanka encompassing the Sri Lanka Army, the Sri Lanka Navy, the Sri Lanka Air Force which comes under preview of the Ministry of Defence (Sri Lanka) (MOD). They receive military support from mainly China, Russia, India, Pakistan and Israel. The United States also gives limited support.

Diplomatic relations

List of countries which Sri Lanka maintains diplomatic relations with:

# Country Date[2]
1  United Kingdom 22 October 1946
2  Australia 29 April 1947
3  Turkey 4 February 1948[3]
4  Pakistan 3 May 1948[4]
5  India 11 October 1948[5]
6  France 27 October 1948
7  United States 29 October 1948
8  Myanmar 7 June 1949
9  Sweden 18 November 1949
10  Italy 18 April 1950
11  Norway 13 October 1950
12  Netherlands 23 November 1951
13  Japan 28 April 1952[6]
14  Cambodia 28 May 1952
15  Indonesia 6 August 1952
16  Denmark 5 January 1953
17  Portugal January 1953
18  Belgium 27 July 1953
19  Canada 20 August 1953
20  Germany 3 December 1953
21  Austria 19 February 1954[7]
22  Finland 24 September 1954
23  Spain 12 April 1955
24  Thailand 20 November 1955
25  New Zealand 14 December 1955
26   Switzerland 5 October 1956[8]
27  China 7 February 1957
28  Russia 19 February 1957
29  Poland 18 April 1957
30    Nepal 1 July 1957
31  Romania 15 September 1957
32  Czech Republic September 1957
33  Serbia 14 October 1957[9]
34  Egypt 24 October 1957
35  Malaysia October 1957
36  Israel 1 January 1958
37  Greece 19 March 1958[10]
38  Afghanistan 1 November 1958
39  Hungary 15 February 1959[11]
40  Cuba 29 July 1959
41  Brazil 22 January 1960[12]
42  Mexico 19 April 1960
43  Senegal 1960
44  Philippines 11 January 1961
45  Iraq 22 February 1961[13]
46  Ghana 6 March 1961[14]
47  Argentina 5 January 1962[15]
48  Mongolia 1 February 1962
49  Bulgaria 10 June 1962
50  Algeria 1962
51  Chile 1962
52  Iran 1962
53  Bolivia 1963[16]
54  Jordan 6 July 1965[17]
55  Laos 20 July 1965
56  Maldives 26 July 1965
57  Sudan 1967
58  Syria 10 May 1969
59  Nigeria January 1970
60  North Korea 15 July 1970
61  Singapore 20 July 1970
62  Vietnam 21 July 1970
63  Kenya 4 September 1970[18]
64  Kuwait 19 February 1971
65  Bangladesh 4 March 1972
66  Luxembourg 27 July 1972
67  Fiji September 1972
68  Uganda 30 November 1972
69  Ethiopia 1972
70  Guinea-Bissau 1972
71  Libya 1972
72  Trinidad and Tobago 1972
73  Zambia 16 April 1973[19]
74  Tanzania July 1973
75  Guyana 14 July 1974
76  Saudi Arabia 30 November 1974[20]
77  Peru 17 March 1975
—  Holy See 15 February 1976
78  Panama 8 March 1976[21]
79  Qatar 20 July 1976
80  Costa Rica 11 June 1977[22]
81  South Korea 14 November 1977
82  Democratic Republic of Congo 13 May 1978[23]
83  United Arab Emirates 19 July 1979
84  Yemen September 1979[24]
85  Albania 4 March 1980
86  Cyprus 4 March 1980[25]
87  Oman 17 February 1981
88  Tunisia 7 December 1981[26]
89  Somalia 4 January 1982[27]
90  Bhutan 13 May 1982
91  Papua New Guinea 17 November 1982
92  Zimbabwe 1983[28]
93  Vanuatu 28 September 1983
94  Tonga 10 January 1984[29]
95  Brunei 3 April 1984
96  Venezuela 9 April 1987
97  Colombia 30 September 1988[30]
—  State of Palestine 6 February 1989[31]
98  Morocco 27 November 1990[32]
99  Guinea 6 August 1991[33]
100  Armenia 12 February 1992
101  Ukraine 12 February 1992
102  Bahrain 27 June 1992
103  Kazakhstan 29 June 1992[34]
104  Azerbaijan 4 August 1992
105  Moldova 27 November 1992
106  Slovakia 15 February 1993[35]
107  Tajikistan 20 April 1994
108  South Africa 12 September 1994
109  Estonia 31 January 1996
110  Kyrgyzstan 29 January 1996
111  Ireland February 1996[36]
112  Turkmenistan 18 April 1996
113  Slovenia 25 July 1996
114  Lithuania 20 August 1996
115  Latvia 19 September 1996
116  Croatia 10 February 1997
117  Lebanon 7 May 1997
118  North Macedonia 10 April 1998
119  Georgia June 1998
120  Seychelles 3 October 1998
121  Jamaica 29 September 1998
122  Iceland 23 December 1998
123  Mozambique 12 March 1999
124  Namibia 8 April 1999
125  Uruguay 21 July 1999
126  Uzbekistan 11 October 1999
127  Malta 27 January 2000
128  Eswatini 27 June 2000
129  Lesotho 14 July 2000
130  Belarus 20 November 2000
131  Bosnia and Herzegovina 22 June 2001
132  Madagascar 27 July 2001
133  Angola 3 February 2004
134  Bahamas 19 July 2005
135  Eritrea 15 November 2007
136  Botswana 27 October 2008
137  Paraguay 3 April 2009
138  Liberia 17 July 2009[37]
139  Mauritius 20 July 2010[38]
140  Dominican Republic 3 February 2011
141  Montenegro 4 April 2011
142  Rwanda 20 April 2011
143  Ecuador 9 May 2011[30]
144  Malawi 9 June 2011
145  Mali 19 January 2012
146  Republic of the Congo 1 February 2012
147  San Marino 7 June 2012
148  Burkina Faso 15 November 2012
149  Suriname 16 November 2012
150  El Salvador 10 December 2012
151  Haiti 14 December 2012
152  Grenada 19 December 2012
153  Mauritania 21 December 2012
154  Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 15 January 2013
155  Guatemala 26 February 2013
156  Honduras 12 March 2013
157  Solomon Islands 3 July 2013
158  Benin 12 August 2013[39]
159  South Sudan 25 September 2013
160  Sierra Leone 16 November 2013
161  Ivory Coast 5 March 2014
162  Samoa 15 August 2014
163  Togo 27 September 2015
164  Djibouti 16 November 2015
165  Monaco 26 July 2016
166  Andorra 30 November 2016[40]
167  Dominica 17 April 2018
168  Burundi 11 March 2019
169  Gambia 10 May 2019
170  Nicaragua 10 May 2019
171  Saint Lucia 25 June 2019
172  Barbados 28 June 2019
173  Liechtenstein 5 March 2021[30]
174  Gabon 19 March 2021[30]
175  Saint Kitts and Nevis 22 March 2021[30]
176  Timor-Leste 4 May 2022[30]

Bilateral relations

Africa

Country Formal Relations Began Notes
 Kenya 1970 See Kenya–Sri Lanka relations
 South Africa 16 September 1994 See South Africa–Sri Lanka relations

Americas

Country Formal Relations Began Notes
 Cuba 29 July 1959 See Cuba–Sri Lanka relations
 Mexico 19 April 1960 See Mexico–Sri Lanka relations
  • Mexico is accredited to Sri Lanka from its embassy in New Delhi, India and maintains an honorary consulate in Colombo.[41]
  • Sri Lanka is accredited to Mexico from its embassy in Washington, D.C., United States and maintains an honorary consulate in Mexico City.[42]
 United States 23 October 1948 See Sri Lanka–United States relations
President Jayewardene of Sri Lanka presents a baby elephant to President Reagan and the American people in 1984
  • The U.S. Embassy in Sri Lanka is located in Colombo, as are U.S. Agency for International Development offices and Public Affairs offices. IBB offices are located near Chilaw, 75 km north of Colombo.
  • Sri Lankan Embassy is located in Washington, D.C.

Asia

Country Formal Relations Began Notes
 Armenia 12 February 1992 See Foreign relations of Armenia
  • Armenia is accredited to Sri Lanka from its embassy in New Delhi, India.[43]
  • Sri Lanka is accredited to Armenia from its embassy in Moscow, Russia.[43]
 Azerbaijan See Azerbaijan–Sri Lanka relations
  • Azerbaijan is accredited to Sri Lanka from its embassy in New Delhi, India.
  • Sri Lanka is accredited to Azerbaijan from its embassy in Tehran, Iran.
 Bangladesh 1972 See Bangladesh – Sri Lanka relations

Relations are historically tied together even beyond the sub-continent's colonisation by the British. Sri Lanka's first King (to be mentioned in the ancient Pali chronicles) was alleged to have ancestors from the Vanga Kingdom which occupied an area now known as Bangladesh. Bangladesh's Buddhist minority gifted Sri Lanka with a few strands of hair said to have belonged to Buddha as a sign of goodwill. It is a worshipped object on Poya Day, a Buddhist public holiday in Sri Lanka.

In August 2008, both heads of states discussed the implementation of new air links in hope of increasing trade, investment and stronger cultural links. Sri Lanka's current investments have been in Bangladesh's garment and banking sector and expect to diversify into different areas. Bangladesh also hosts a number of Sri Lankan medical students and cricket as a form of friendly communications between their people. There has been discussion to increase bilateral relations, cooperation between the two navies and sending Sri Lankan Naval personnel to study in Bangladesh.

 Bhutan 13 May 1987
  • Diplomatic relations began in 1987.
  • The ambassador of the Sri Lankan High Commission in New Delhi is accredited to Bhutan.
  • The ambassador of the Bhutanese Embassy in Dhaka is accredited to Sri Lanka.[44]
  • Bhutan has an honorary consulate in Colombo.
 China 7 February 1957 See China–Sri Lanka relations

In 1411, the Ming dynasty fought a war against the Kingdom of Kotte. This conflict was known as the Ming-Kotte War.

China and Sri Lanka are now engaged in healthy relations, as China provided valuable equipment and materials to the Sri Lankan Army, to help defeat the LTTE. In the summer of 2012, Chinese officials visited Sri Lankan military officials. Currently, Sri Lanka seems intent on maintaining a good relationship with China, both militarily and politically.

 India 4 February 1948 See India–Sri Lanka relations

Bilateral relations between Sri Lanka and India have been generally friendly, but were affected by the Sri Lankan civil war and by the failure of Indian intervention during the Sri Lankan civil war. India is Sri Lanka's only neighbour, separated by the Palk Strait; both nations occupy a strategic position in South Asia and have sought to build a common security umbrella in the Indian Ocean.[45]

India-Sri Lanka relations have undergone a qualitative and quantitative transformation in the recent past. Political relations are close, trade and investments have increased dramatically, infrastructural linkages are constantly being augmented, defence collaboration has increased and there is a general, broad-based improvement across all sectors of bilateral cooperation. India was the first country to respond to Sri Lanka's request for assistance after the tsunami in December 2004. In July 2006, India evacuated 430 Sri Lankan nationals from Lebanon, first to Cyprus by Indian Navy ships and then to Delhi & Colombo by special Air India flights.

There exists a broad consensus within the Sri Lankan polity on the primacy of India in Sri Lanka's external relations matrix. Both the major political parties in Sri Lanka, the Sri Lanka Freedom Party and the United Nationalist Party have contributed to the rapid development of bilateral relations in the last ten years. Sri Lanka has supported India's candidature to the permanent membership of the UN Security Council.[46]

 Indonesia 6 August 1952 See Indonesia–Sri Lanka relations
  • Indonesia has an embassy in Colombo.
  • Sri Lanka has an embassy in Jakarta.
 Iran 1961 See Iran–Sri Lanka relations

Iran and Sri Lanka have had official diplomatic relations since 1961.[47]

Diplomatic relations between Iran and Sri Lanka (then known as Ceylon) began in 1961 via the Ceylonese embassy in Islamabad, which was the closest Ceylon had to a presence on Iranian soil until the opening of the Tehran embassy office in 1990. Tehran set up its Colombo office in 1975.

After Mahmoud Ahmadinejad became President of Iran, Sri Lanka was the first country he visited on his inaugural Asian tour.[48] Mahinda Rajapaksa also made ties with Iran a priority after he ascended to office.[49]

 Iraq 22 February 1961 See Sri Lanka–Iraq relations

Iraq was the largest buyer of Sri Lankan tea during the reign of Saddam Hussein. Ties between Sri Lanka and Iraq were disrupted during the Iraq War. However, in 2018 Iraq re-emerged as the largest buyer of Sri Lankan Tea.[52]

 Israel 1 June 1956 See Israel–Sri Lanka relations

Sri Lanka has a close relationship with Israel, and its military is a major user of Israeli weapons systems that include the IAI Kfir Fighter Jet, the Super Dvora Mk III class Patrol Vessel, and the Gabriel missile. In May 2011, the Israeli Minister of Agriculture visited Sri Lanka with an agro-business delegation to promote cooperation between the two countries.[53]

 Japan 28 April 1952 See Japan – Sri Lanka relations

During World War II, an air raid was carried out by Japan to bomb the city of Colombo in Sri Lanka. Later on, Japan and Sri Lanka became friendly and established a relation in 1952. Japan has an embassy in Colombo.[54] Sri Lanka has an embassy in Tokyo.[55] Sri Lankan President JR Jayawardene played a major role in re-admitting Japan to the world community at the San Francisco Conference

 Malaysia October 1957 See Malaysia–Sri Lanka relations

Malaysia has a High Commission in Colombo,[56] and Sri Lanka has a high commission in Kuala Lumpur.[57]

 Maldives 26 July 1965 See Maldives–Sri Lanka relations

Official and economic relations between the neighboring Indian Ocean countries of the Maldives and Sri Lanka, have been positive since the Maldives became independent in 1965. The Maldives first established a mission in Sri Lanka in July 1965, and today has a High Commission in Colombo.

   Nepal 1 July 1957 Foreign relations of Nepal

Nepal and Sri Lanka established diplomatic relations on 1 July 1957. Nepal opened an honorary consulate general in Colombo in 1975 and established its embassy in 1995. Sri Lanka has a residential embassy in Kathmandu since 1993. Around sixty thousand Sri Lankans visit Lumbini annually to pay homage to Gautam Buddha's birthplace Lumbini, so Government of Sri Lanka has built a rest house and constructed a Buddhist monastery complex in Lumbini.

Following the April 2015 Nepal earthquake, Sri Lanka was one of the first three countries to send medical and search-and-rescue teams to the country. The Air Force sent flights of C-130 Hercules aircraft, and SriLankan Airlines sent Airbus A330 aircraft, carrying Army emergency teams.[58]

 Pakistan May 1948 See Pakistan–Sri Lanka relations
 Palestine April 1982 See Palestine–Sri Lanka relations
  • Palestine has very close ties to Sri Lanka.Sri Lanka has made monetary donations to Palestine on various occasions.Sri Lankan president Maithripala Sirisena also assured that Sri Lanka is committed to stand by the struggle for independence of the Palestinian people.[59] There is an embassy for the state of Palestine in Colombo.[60]
 Philippines 17 April 1958 See Philippines–Sri Lanka relations
 South Korea 14 November 1977

see South Korea–Sri Lanka relations

Diplomatic relations between both nations were established on 14 November 1977. The Republic of Korea's Investment in Sri Lanka (cumulative total at the end of June 2014) totals $731million.[61] The Republic of Korea has an embassy in Colombo. Sri Lanka has an embassy in Seoul.

 Turkey September 1958 See Sri Lanka–Turkey relations
  • Since 2012, Sri Lanka has an embassy in Ankara.[62]
  • Since 2013, Turkey has an embassy in Colombo.[62]

Europe

Country Formal Relations Began Notes
 Croatia 14 February 1997 Foreign relations of Croatia
  • Sri Lanka recognized Croatia on 27 May 1992.[63]
  • Both countries established diplomatic relations on 14 February 1997.[63]
  • Both countries have agreed on bilateral treaties in various fields.[64]
 Cyprus March 1981
  • Cyprus is accredited to Sri Lanka by its High Commission in New Delhi, India[65] and an honorary consulate in Colombo.[65]
  • Sri Lanka is accredited to Cyprus from its embassy in Rome, Italy[66] and an honorary consulate in Larnaca.[65]
  • Both countries have agreed on bilateral treaties in various fields.[67]
  • Both countries are full members of Commonwealth of Nations.
 Czech Republic 28 December 1957 and 15 February 1993
  • Historical relations between the Czech Republic and Sri Lanka have been good with foundations to build upon in strengthening bilateral cooperation.
  • There have been state visits by both sides.[68]
  • The Czech Republic has a consulate in Colombo.[69]
  • In 2000 Czech Republic provided RM-70 multiple rocket launchers for Sri Lanka Army.[70]
 Denmark 5 January 1953 See Denmark–Sri Lanka relations
 Estonia 31 January 1996 See Estonia–Sri Lanka relations
  • Sri Lanka recognised Estonia on 10 October 1991.
  • Sri Lanka has an embassy in Stockholm which covers Estonia.
  • Estonia has an honorary consulate in Sri Lanka.
  • Economic relations between Sri Lanka and Estonia are at moderate level.
 Finland 24 September 1954

Both countries established diplomatic relations in 24 September 1954.

  • Finland is accredited to Sri Lanka from its embassy in New Delhi, India.
  • Sri Lanka is accredited to Finland from its embassy in Stockholm, Sweden.
 France 27 October 1948

Both countries established diplomatic relations in 27 October 1948.

  • France has an embassy in Colombo.
  • Sri Lanka has an embassy in Paris.
 Germany 9 December 1953 See Germany–Sri Lanka relations
  • Germany has an embassy in Colombo.
  • Sri Lanka has an embassy in Berlin.
 Greece 1957
  • Both countries established diplomatic relations in 1957.[71]
  • Greece is accredited to Sri Lanka from its embassy in New Delhi, India.[72]
  • Sri Lanka is accredited to Greece from its embassy in Rome, Italy.[71][72]
 Holy See 6 September 1975 See Holy See–Sri Lanka relations
  • Formal relations Began in 1978.
  • The Holy See has a nunciature in Colombo. Sri Lanka has an embassy in Rome.
 Hungary 15 February 1959 See Hungary–Sri Lanka relations
  • Sri Lanka has an embassy in Vienna, Austria that is accredited to Hungary.[73] and has a consul in Budapest[74]
  • Hungary maintains a consulate in Colombo.[75]
  • The relationship is low-keyed, but there are no outstanding issues. Hungary contributed to relief after the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, and has since stepped up aid to Sri Lanka.[76]
 Italy 18 April 1950

Both countries established diplomatic relations in 18 April 1950.

  • Italy has an embassy in Colombo.
  • Sri Lanka has an embassy in Rome.
 North Macedonia 10 April 1998

Both countries established diplomatic relations on 10 April 1998

 Poland 18 April 1957

Both countries established diplomatic relations on 18 April 1957.

  • Poland is accredited to Sri Lanka from its embassy in New Delhi, India.
  • Sri Lanka has an embassy in Warsaw.
 Romania 15 September 1957 See Romania–Sri Lanka relations

The Romanian Ambassador in New Delhi is concurrently accredited to Sri Lanka, while the Sri Lanka Mission in Warsaw, Poland is concurrently accredited to Romania.[77] The President of Sri Lanka, Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga characterized relations between the two countries in 2003 as "close and friendly".[78]

Diplomatic relation between Sri Lanka and Romania were established on 15 September 1957. Initially maintained at Legation level, the relations were later raised to Ambassadorial level in 1967. In 1963 Romania opened a Commercial Office in Colombo, this was upgraded to as embassy in 1976 with a chargé d'affaires. The Romanian Mission in Colombo was closed in 1995 but reopened as a Commercial Office in 1998.

In 1978, the Sri Lankan minister of Foreign Affairs visited Romania.[77]

Romania provided 32,000 euros worth of humanitarian aid to Sri Lanka after the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami devastated the country in December 2004.[79]

The ambassador designate of Sri Lanka in Bucharest was Clarence Felician Chinniah[79] until his death in January 2009.[80][81]

In December 2009, Valerica Epure presented her credentials to President Mahinda Rajapaksa to become Ambassador-Designate of Romania to Sri Lanka.[82][83][84][85]

In December 2009 with the end of the civil war in Sri Lanka 46 Sri Lankan Tamil refugees were sent to Romania to be processed for resettlement from Indonesia on their way to Australia.[86]

Bilateral trade between Sri Lanka and Romania was valued at US$8.87 million in 2007, up from US$7.9 million in 2006.[87] Efforts have been made to expand trade in Ceylon tea to Romania.[88] In 2009, Chairman and CEO of the Sri Lanka Export Development Board Anil Koswatte has singled out Romania as country for which exports could be increased.[89]

 Russia 19 February 1957 See Russia–Sri Lanka relations
President Mahinda Rajapaksa with Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, at St. Petersburg Economic Forum, in June 2011.
  • During the war between the Sri Lanka Armed Forces (Government of Sri Lanka) and Tamil Tigers, Russia helped Sri Lanka by providing education on battle field tactics to Sri Lanka Army.
  • Russia has an embassy in Colombo. Sri Lanka has an embassy in Moscow.
 Serbia 14 October 1957
  • Both countries have established diplomatic relations in 1956.[90]
  • A number of bilateral agreements in various fields have been concluded and are in force between both countries.[91]
 Spain 10 July 1955 See Spain–Sri Lanka relations
  • Spain is accredited to Sri Lanka from its embassy in New Delhi, India.
  • Sri Lanka is accredited to Spain from its embassy in Paris, France.
  Switzerland 23 January 1956 See Sri Lanka–Switzerland relations

In the 1980s political relations between Switzerland and Sri Lanka intensified with many Sri Lankan Tamils fleeing from the ethnic conflict to find asylum in Switzerland.

 United Kingdom 4 February 1948 See Sri Lanka–United Kingdom relations

The UK established diplomatic relations with the United Kingdom on 22 October 1946.

  • Sri Lanka maintains a high commission in London.
  • The United Kingdom is accredited to Sri Lanka through its high commission in Colombo.[92]

The UK governed Sri Lanka from 1802 to 1948, until it achieved full independence as Ceylon.

Both countries share common membership of the Commonwealth, and the World Trade Organization. Bilaterally the two countries have an Investment Agreement.[93]

Oceania

Country Formal Relations Began Notes
 Australia 4 February 1948 See Australia–Sri Lanka relations
 New Zealand 14 December 1955 See Foreign relations of New Zealand

New Zealand and Sri Lanka have a strong relationship since the 1800s. New Zealand has longstanding Commonwealth, migrant and sporting ties with Sri Lanka.

  • New Zealand has a High Commission in Colombo.
  • Sri Lanka is accredited to New Zealand from its high commission in Canberra, Australia.

New Zealand visits to Sri Lanka:

  • Prime Minister John Key and Minister of Foreign Affairs Hon Murray McCully visited Sri Lanka for the 23rd Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting 2013.
  • Hon Murray McCully, Minister of Foreign Affairs, June, August 2013
  • Sri Lankan Parliamentary Delegation attending the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Conference, October 1998
  • Agriculture, Lands & Forestry Minister Jayaratne, May 1996

[94]

See also

References

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Further reading

  • Copper, J. F. "China and Sri-Lanka: Old Friendship Renewed." Asia Quarterly 2 (1975): 101-110.
  • Höglund, Kristine, and Isak Svensson. "Mediating between tigers and lions: Norwegian peace diplomacy in Sri Lanka's civil war." Contemporary South Asia 17.2 (2009): 175-191.
  • Peebles, Patrick. The History of Sri Lanka (Greenwood, 2005)
  • Suryanarayan, V, "Sri Lanka's policy towards China: Legacy of the past and prospects for the future." China Report 30.2 (1994): 203-21