The visit included regional discussions on peace and cooperation, alongside bilateral meetings with international counterparts.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Vijitha Herath led the Sri Lankan delegation to the 33rd ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and the commemorative event for the 50th Anniversary of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (TAC) in Southeast Asia, held in Manila, the Philippines, from 23 to 24 July 2026.
During the ARF Ministerial Meeting, Minister Herath reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s commitment to promoting peace, regional stability and inclusive economic prosperity. He also expressed Sri Lanka’s readiness to strengthen engagement with ARF member states, including peacekeeping initiatives.
On the sidelines of the meetings, Minister Herath held bilateral discussions with counterparts from Bangladesh, Canada, Chile, the Netherlands, Pakistan, the Philippines, Russia and Singapore. He also met the United States Special Envoy for South and Central Asia, the United States Ambassador to India, the Secretary General of ASEAN, the High Representative of the European Union and the Vice President of the Asian Development Bank.
During his visit, Minister Herath inaugurated the Office of the Honorary Consul of Sri Lanka in Mindanao and visited the construction site of Haycarb, Sri Lanka’s first investment project in the Philippines.
Source: High Commission of Sri Lanka in Singapore
