(AseanAll) — The Philippines and Sri Lanka held their Third Political Consultations in Colombo, Sri Lanka on 12 September 2025,according to the Department of Foreign Affairs(DFA) of the Philippines.
PH DFA Undersecretary for Policy Ma. Hellen B. De La Vega headed the Philippine delegation, consisting of officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs and from the Philippine Embassy based in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The Sri Lankan delegation was led by Additional Secretary for Bilateral Political Affairs-East Sashikala Premawardhane from its Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, with the participation of various officials from the Ministry and from Sri Lanka’s line agencies.
De La Vega underscored the importance of Philippines-Sri Lanka bilateral ties in the context of the developments in the greater Indo-Pacific region. The Consultations explored how the two countries can deepen cooperation in the fields of defense and security, trade, tourism, investments, agriculture, people-to-people exchanges, labor, culture, education, technical assistance and consular matters, as well in the regional and multilateral fora.
In her opening remarks at the Consultations, Foreign Secretary Aruni Ranaraja, who served as Sri Lankan Ambassador to the Philippines from 2015 to 2019, described the resumption of the bilateral political consultations as a symbol of friendship between the two countries and manifested her firm belief that taking advantage of their shared opportunities would redound to the mutual benefit of their peoples.
In her call on Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment of Sri Lanka Arun Hemachandra, the Undersecretary noted with optimism the historical connections between the Philippines and Sri Lanka, through the travels of national hero Dr. Jose Rizal, as well as the connections and exchanges between their peoples over the years. In response, the Deputy Minister conveyed his belief in the great potential of educational cooperation between the two sides, noting the excellent education offered by institutions of higher learning in the Philippines. He also advocated for the study of Dr. Rizal’s works by Sri Lankan students to impart its many lessons.
On the margins of the consultations, Undersecretary De La Vega visited the Dr. Rizal Suite 305, a room preserved in honor of Dr. Jose Rizal at the Grand Oriental Hotel, Colombo. A marker by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines indicated that Dr. Rizal stayed at the said hotel four (4) times between 1882 and 1886 during his trips to Europe. She noted the well-preserved atmosphere of the Rizal Suite with its many antique furniture, transporting its visitors to another place and time where Dr. Rizal was busily penning his literary works, inspired by the beauty of old Colombo.
The Undersecretary also met with members of the Sri Lanka-Philippines Business Council (SLPBC) to discuss ongoing efforts to boost two-way trade and investment between the Philippines and Sri Lanka.
The Philippines and Sri Lanka will celebrate the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations next year. Various activities that promote closer people-to-people ties are being planned to commemorate this important milestone, such as cultural performances, film showings, and food festivals.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Political Consultations between the Philippines and Sri Lanka was signed on 03 February 2016.
