Australia and Sri Lanka further cemented their long-standing diplomatic and people-to-people relations as Australia’s Governor-General Samantha Joy Mostyn began her three-day official visit to the island.
The visit marks a new chapter in the 75-plus years of friendship between the two nations, underscoring their shared commitment to enhanced cooperation in economic development, education, defence, tourism and maritime security.
Governor-General Mostyn met with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake at the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo this afternoon (8), where the two leaders held wide-ranging bilateral discussions.
According to the President’s Media Division (PMD), the talks centred on strengthening existing partnerships and exploring new avenues for mutual benefit.
The Australian Governor-General reaffirmed Canberra’s readiness to extend continued support for Sri Lanka’s progress under President Dissanayake’s “clear and decisive leadership.” She highlighted Australia’s willingness to assist in bolstering Sri Lanka’s economy, reflecting the depth of trust and cooperation between the two nations.
President Dissanayake, welcoming the visit, said it would further reinforce the historic ties between Australia and Sri Lanka. He recalled the significant assistance provided by Australia—both directly and through international bodies—during the 2004 tsunami and more recently, amid Sri Lanka’s economic crisis.
Expressing gratitude for Australia’s ongoing support, the President noted contributions in key sectors including economic growth, education, defence, tourism, and maritime affairs. He also emphasised that Australia has become a major destination for employment, higher education, and vocational training for Sri Lankans, adding that Sri Lanka could greatly benefit from Australia’s expertise in these areas.
The President stressed that the country now offers a favourable climate for Australian investors, opening up new prospects for trade and business partnerships. Such cooperation, he said, would complement broader bilateral goals and people-to-people exchanges.
Governor-General Mostyn’s visit comes at the invitation of President Dissanayake and includes engagements beyond Colombo. Over the course of her stay, she will visit several areas of the island, including Bandaragama, Mirissa and Weligama, to observe community development and other projects supported by Australia.
Australia and Sri Lanka have maintained diplomatic relations since 1947, with close collaboration in areas ranging from regional security to education exchanges. The current visit is seen as an opportunity to build on this legacy, aligning bilateral cooperation with emerging regional challenges and economic opportunities.
The PMD noted that the discussions between President Dissanayake and Governor-General Mostyn reflected a shared vision for sustainable growth, mutual prosperity, and a strengthened strategic partnership that continues to evolve in the Indo-Pacific context.
