Sri Lanka could expand trade with Russia through Vladivostok by leveraging existing aviation and maritime routes, Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation Bimal Rathnayake said.
Speaking to Sputnik India, the minister noted that Sri Lanka’s strategic location along key Indian Ocean shipping lanes and its established air connectivity position the country to develop faster trade links with Russia.
He said aviation offers the quickest short-term option, with cargo operations potentially commencing within months using existing commercial flight networks.
Rathnayake also highlighted Sri Lanka’s maritime connectivity with countries such as China, Japan, and South Korea, pointing out that Vladivostok is geographically aligned with these routes, making sea-based trade feasible.
He further emphasized the growing role of Hambantota Port as a regional logistics hub, particularly its development as a major automobile export center linking South Asia to Africa.
According to the minister, Sri Lanka could utilize its existing infrastructure and connectivity to strengthen trade ties with Russia under a broader Eurasian transport framework.