Sri Lanka and Lithuania have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a formal mechanism for regular political consultations, marking a significant step in strengthening bilateral relations as the two countries celebrate 30 years of diplomatic ties.
The agreement was signed during the official visit of Lithuania’s Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs, Vidmantas Verbickas, to Sri Lanka from October 4 to 6, at the invitation of Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment Arun Hemachandra.
According to a statement issued by the Consulate of the Republic of Lithuania in Sri Lanka, the visit marked the first formal political consultations between the two countries, while opening new opportunities for cooperation in digital technology, trade, investment, education and professional exchanges.
The inaugural political consultations were held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism in Colombo, co-chaired by Vice-Minister Verbickas and Deputy Minister Hemachandra.
Discussions focused on bilateral political relations, domestic and regional developments, trade and investment, tourism, and cooperation in multilateral forums, including the United Nations.
The newly signed MoU establishes a framework for regular consultations, enabling both countries to review bilateral relations, follow up on shared priorities and address matters of mutual interest through direct diplomatic engagement.
The Consulate noted that the mechanism would help Sri Lanka strengthen its engagement with Lithuania, a member of the European Union, while ensuring continuity in bilateral cooperation.
Digital transformation and technology cooperation
Digital cooperation emerged as a major focus of the visit, with the Lithuanian delegation holding discussions with Deputy Minister of Digital Economy Eranga Weeraratne.
The discussions explored opportunities for collaboration in digitalisation, government technology (GovTech), digital public services and artificial intelligence (AI).
Lithuania expressed its willingness to share its experience in developing secure, innovative and people-centred digital solutions.
The delegation also visited GovTech Sri Lanka and held discussions with the Sri Lanka Association for Software and Services Companies (SLASSCOM).
These engagements focused on digital infrastructure, financial technology (FinTech), information and communication technology (ICT), innovation, public service delivery and the development of technology businesses.
The Consulate stated that Lithuania’s experience in digital governance and its expanding FinTech sector could provide opportunities for institutional cooperation, knowledge sharing and business partnerships to support Sri Lanka’s digital economy.
Education and academic collaboration
The visit also focused on strengthening academic and educational cooperation between the two countries.
At the University of Colombo, Vice-Minister Verbickas met Vice Chancellor Professor Indika Mahesh Karunathilake and delivered a lecture on Lithuania’s foreign and security policy in the changing global geopolitical environment.
The event was attended by students, academics, experts and journalists, providing an opportunity to exchange views on international security developments.
According to the Consulate, the engagement could pave the way for stronger links between Sri Lankan and Lithuanian universities, research institutions and industries.
Potential areas for future cooperation include academic exchanges, joint research, postgraduate education and professional training.
Trade, investment and diplomatic engagements
During the visit, the Lithuanian delegation also met representatives of the European Union in Colombo and visited the Honorary Consulate of Lithuania.
Honorary Consul R. M. Manivannan hosted the delegation, with discussions focusing on opportunities to strengthen bilateral trade, technology partnerships, business relations and institutional cooperation.
The delegation acknowledged the contributions of the Honorary Consulate and its team, including Kanchana Kodituwakku, towards strengthening relations between the two countries.
Lithuanian Ambassador to Sri Lanka Diana Mickevičienė accompanied the delegation during the official engagements.
Foreign Secretary Aruni Ranaraja and senior officials of Sri Lanka’s Foreign Ministry also supported the visit and coordinated the official programme.
Cultural exchanges mark 30 years of relations
The visit also included several cultural and community engagements to commemorate three decades of diplomatic relations.
In Ahangama, the delegation met Lithuanian nationals residing in Sri Lanka at a gathering hosted by Vilma Mockuvienė, providing an opportunity to discuss their experiences and contributions to cultural understanding between the two countries.
The delegation also visited the historic Galle Fort and Gangaramaya Temple.
Meanwhile, a special concert was organised jointly by the Embassy of Lithuania, Alliance Française de Colombo and the Honorary Consulate to celebrate the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations.
Lithuanian pianist Aleksandra Kolpakovaitė-Dharmawardhane and Sri Lankan violinist Shehani Fernando performed musical compositions from both countries, including works by Lithuanian composer and artist Mikalojus Konstantinas Čiurlionis.
Vice-Minister Verbickas and Foreign Secretary Aruni Ranaraja addressed the gathering, highlighting the importance of cultural exchanges in strengthening bilateral relations.
A reception hosted by the Honorary Consul brought together government officials, diplomats, business representatives and other guests to commemorate the anniversary.
The Lithuanian delegation departed Sri Lanka on October 7 following the conclusion of its official engagements.
The Consulate said the visit had laid the groundwork for a more active partnership between Sri Lanka and Lithuania, with the new political consultation mechanism providing a foundation for sustained diplomatic engagement.
It added that continued cooperation would be important in translating opportunities in technology, education, trade and institutional partnerships into practical benefits for both countries. (Newswire)
