The Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of Indonesia, Muhammad Anis Matta, successfully concluded an official visit to Sri Lanka from April 23 to 25, 2026, undertaken at the invitation of Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment Arun Hemachandra.
During the visit, Vice Minister Matta held bilateral discussions with Deputy Minister Hemachandra on April 24. The Sri Lankan Deputy Minister highlighted the long-standing friendship between the two nations and reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s commitment to further strengthening bilateral relations. Vice Minister Matta emphasized the importance of enhancing economic cooperation, particularly by increasing trade between the two countries.
Both sides agreed on the need to hold bilateral political consultations at an early date and to encourage high-level exchanges to deepen engagement, with the goal of elevating relations to a strategic partnership in the coming years. Discussions also focused on boosting people-to-people connectivity, maritime cooperation, and cultural exchanges to unlock untapped potential.
Vice Minister Matta also paid a courtesy call on the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, Vijitha Herath, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on April 24. During the meeting, both parties noted that an MoU on Bilateral Political Consultations and an agreement on visa exemptions for diplomatic and official passport holders are nearing completion. They expressed optimism about finalizing these agreements soon and convening both the Bilateral Political Consultations and Joint Commission meeting in the near future.
The discussions further covered regional and global developments of mutual interest, with both countries reaffirming their shared commitment to peace, stability, and sustainable development. With the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Sri Lanka and Indonesia approaching in 2027, both sides underscored the importance of increasing high-level exchanges.
During his stay, Vice Minister Matta also met with the Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, Hiniduma Sunil Senevi.
The meetings were attended by the Ambassador of Indonesia to Sri Lanka, along with senior officials from both countries’ foreign ministries.
