Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Vijitha Herath concluded a successful official visit to the Republic of Belarus from May 12-15, 2026. A key highlight of the visit was the signing of a bilateral Agreement on Air Services and two Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) on Cooperation in the Field of Higher Education and in the Field of Health Care, between Sri Lanka and Belarus.

This visit will be an important step toward strengthening collaboration between Sri Lanka and Russia in the health sector including in pharmaceuticals.

Acclaimed film director Prasanna Vithanage was appointed as Chairman of the Jury at the 48th Moscow International Film Festival, one of the world’s oldest and most prestigious film festivals.

The discussions focused on advancing bilateral relations through several key initiatives, including the proposed visit of the Minister of Foreign Affairs , Foreign Employment and Tourism of Sri Lanka to Belarus, the convening of Political Consultations between the two Ministries of Foreign Affairs, and the holding of the Intergovernmental Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation later this year.

The Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the Russian Federation participated in the Second Vgosti Hospitality Forum held in Vologda on 26-27 March 2026, underscoring Sri Lanka’s commitment to strengthening tourism cooperation and regional partnerships with the Russian Federation.