Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Vijitha Herath undertook an official visit to Australia from 31 May – 3 June 2026. Foreign Minister Herath commenced his official visit in Melbourne with a courtesy call on H.E. Professor Hon. Margaret Gardner, Governor of Victoria, during which the two sides focused on further strengthening Sri Lanka–Victoria relations across a broad range of sectors, including economic, cultural, education and people-to-people cooperation.
Minister Herath held bilateral discussions with Premier of Victoria Hon. Jacinta Allan. Both sides appreciated the progress made in bilateral ties since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1947 and reiterated their shared commitment to elevating the multifaceted partnership between Sri Lanka and Victoria. Premier Jacinta highly commended the significant contribution made by the Sri Lankan community in Victoria to the State’s economy. Victoria has the largest population of Sri Lankans in Australia. The Premier was joined by the State Minister for Economic Growth and Jobs Steve Dimopoulos MP and senior officials of the Department of Premier and Cabinet.
Minister Herath also met with members of the Victorian State Parliament and discussed means of enhancing Parliamentary cooperation, strengthening government-to-government partnerships, supporting the Sri Lankan diaspora, and expanding trade and tourism ties. The Minister also thanked the members for their continued support for the Sri Lankan community in Victoria and briefed on Sri Lanka’s economic recovery.
During the visit, Minister Herath addressed “Sri Lanka- Victoria Industry Round-table” jointly hosted by Global Victoria and the Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Melbourne at the “Victorian Investment Centre”. The discussion focused on promoting bilateral trade, investment, tourism, sport and education cooperation between Sri Lanka and Victoria. Deputy Secretary for Industry, Trade and Investment of the Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry & Regions of Victoria, Ms. Danni Jarrett co- facilitated the discussion along with the Minister Herath. Australian high-level business entrepreneurs from sectors including trade, tourism, aviation, infrastructure, education, IT and sport joined the discussion. The recent decision to offer free Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to tourist from 40 countries, including Australia, was welcomed by the Australian side. Minister Herath invited Victorian investors to explore new opportunities being developed in Sri Lanka especially in the Port City Colombo and encouraged the Victorian government to promote Sri Lanka as a safe, attractive and promising tourist destination.
The Foreign Minister concluded his three-day official visit in Canberra, where he met with Senator the Hon Penny Wong, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Australia, and participated in a series of key engagements.
The Sri Lankan delegation at the meetings in Victoria included Consul General for Sri Lanka in Melbourne Pradeepa Saram, and Ms. Savitri Panabokke, Director General, East Asia & Oceania of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism of Sri Lanka.
Consulate General of Sri Lanka
Melbourne, Australia
04 June 2026
