February 26, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka and the Republic of Korea have reaffirmed their intention to broaden bilateral cooperation following high-level talks held in Seoul this week.
Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister Arun Hemachandra met his South Korean counterpart, Eui-hae Cecilia Chung, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the South Korean capital, where both sides reviewed the current state of relations and explored new avenues for collaboration.
According to officials familiar with the discussions, particular attention was given to boosting trade and investment links, widening overseas employment opportunities for Sri Lankans, and strengthening partnerships in development and defence. Sri Lanka’s ongoing economic recovery efforts also featured prominently, with updates shared on fiscal stabilisation measures and progress made in restructuring external debt.
In remarks shared on social media after the meeting, Hemachandra expressed gratitude for Seoul’s swift humanitarian support in the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah, noting that such assistance had been instrumental during a critical period. He also sought continued backing for Colombo’s national rebuilding agenda, aimed at restoring infrastructure and revitalising communities affected by recent crises.
Beyond economic and strategic matters, the talks touched on the growing cultural rapport between the two nations. The Sri Lankan delegation highlighted the rising popularity of Korean culture among young people in Sri Lanka, observing that this cultural exchange has strengthened mutual understanding and people-to-people connections.
With the two countries set to mark half a century of diplomatic relations next year, both ministers agreed to commemorate the anniversary through a series of initiatives, including senior-level visits and enhanced institutional cooperation. Observers view the engagement as a signal of renewed momentum in Sri Lanka–Republic of Korea relations, with both sides keen to translate goodwill into tangible outcomes in the years ahead.