55th anniversary of Viet Nam-Sri Lanka diplomatic relations this year

BY PRANAVESH SIVAKUMAR   

Series of celebrations have been planned and are already  being worked off to celebrate the 55th anniversary of Viet Nam-Sri Lanka  Diplomatic Relations, that falls this year on July 21.   

To be commemorated on September 02, the Vietnamese National  Day, or the end of August or 1st week of September, the embassy is in  talks with the relevant authorities to name a street in Colombo after  their former President Ho Chin Minh. This would be in addition to his statue already placed at the Colombo Library. “The exact name of the street and when would take time to  announce,” Trinh Thi Tam, Ambassador of Viet Nam to Sri Lanka and  Maldives, told when asked during a presser on Monday.   

She also revealed, 14,000 Sri Lankan tourists have come  over to Viet Nam for various purposes namely Business, Leisure, Medical  Tourism and suggestions are coming in to attract more Lankan students.   

A bilateral meeting between Viet Nam Deputy Prime Minister,  Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son and Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara  Dissanayake happened on the sidelines of the World Governance Summit in  Dubai, only last month.   

“Arrangements are ongoing for the possibility of delegation  from Viet Nam’s National Assembly to visit Sri Lanka this or next  month. Another delegation from Sri Lanka to attend the 20th UN Day of  Vesak hosted by Viet Nam in May 2025”, their statement read.   

“Economically, both nations have worked to enhance trade  and investment, recognising the potentials and strength for mutual  strength. Annual trade turnover records approximately USD 300-350  million over recent years. There are currently about 30 investment  projects operating in both Viet Nam and Sri Lanka, with capital  exceeding USD 42 million”, the statement added.