July 23, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Vijitha Herath, has begun a series of high-level diplomatic engagements in the Philippines, holding discussions with Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar and Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman on the sidelines of the 33rd ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) in Manila.
Following the meetings, Dr Jaishankar shared a message on X expressing his pleasure at meeting his Sri Lankan and Bangladeshi counterparts during the regional forum, highlighting the importance of continued dialogue and cooperation among South Asian neighbours.
The ASEAN Regional Forum, one of the Asia-Pacific region’s principal platforms for political and security dialogue, brings together foreign ministers and senior representatives from across the region to discuss pressing security challenges, geopolitical developments and opportunities for greater regional collaboration.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Minister Herath is taking part in both the 33rd ARF Ministerial Meeting and events marking the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (TAC), which are being held in Manila from 23 to 24 July. He is expected to deliver addresses at both gatherings, outlining Sri Lanka’s perspectives on regional stability, multilateral cooperation and shared economic interests.
In addition to the ministerial sessions, Herath has a series of bilateral meetings scheduled with foreign ministers from participating countries, as well as discussions with the Secretary-General of ASEAN and senior representatives of the European Union and the Asian Development Bank. The engagements are expected to focus on strengthening diplomatic relations, expanding development partnerships and enhancing economic cooperation.
Among his key bilateral meetings is a discussion with Philippine Secretary for Foreign Affairs Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro, during which matters of mutual interest and opportunities for closer bilateral ties are expected to be explored.
As part of his official visit, Minister Herath is also due to inaugurate the Office of the Honorary Consul of Sri Lanka in Mindanao, a move aimed at enhancing Sri Lanka’s diplomatic presence in the southern Philippines while improving support for Sri Lankan nationals and promoting trade, tourism and investment links between the two countries.
Today (22), I arrived in Manila, Philippines, to participate in the 33rd ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) and the commemorative event marking the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC).
— Vijitha Herath (@HMVijithaHerath) July 22, 2026
This visit reaffirms Sri Lanka’s commitment to deepening… pic.twitter.com/Hhf51577jH
