Sri Lanka expects to further strengthen cooperation with ASEAN member states in trade and investment, tourism, education and culture, Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Minister Vijitha Herath said.
The Minister made these remarks while attending the opening ceremony of “ASEAN Cuisines Week 2026,” a week-long food exhibition held in Colombo. Minister Herath expressed appreciation to the ASEAN ambassadors in Colombo for organizing the event in Sri Lanka, with special thanks to Trinh Thi Tam, Ambassador of Vietnam to Sri Lanka and the Maldives and Chair of the ASEAN Heads of Mission in Colombo.
Speaking at the event, the Minister said ASEAN Cuisines Week was not merely a celebration of food and culinary traditions, but also an opportunity to strengthen friendship, mutual understanding and partnerships between Sri Lanka and ASEAN countries.
He highlighted food as a powerful means of bringing cultures and communities closer together and strengthening people-to-people ties.
The opening ceremony was held at Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo on August 21, with the participation of ASEAN ambassadors based in Colombo, diplomatic officials and distinguished guests.
Minister Herath said the Government aims to expand Sri Lanka’s engagement with ASEAN countries across multiple sectors while further strengthening bilateral and regional ties.
