Australia's Richard Marles Heads to Colombo

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of Australia, Richard Marles, will undertake an official visit to Sri Lanka on June 3, 2025, as part of a broader regional engagement strategy aimed at enhancing bilateral cooperation.

During his visit, Deputy Prime Minister Marles is scheduled to pay courtesy calls on President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Vijitha Herath.

He will also meet Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarasuriya who will be the Chief Guest at a special luncheon hosted at the Australia House in honour of the visiting Minister.

The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence will also hold a bilateral discussion with Deputy Minister of Defence Major General (Retd) Aruna Jayasekara. 

The visit underscores the growing strategic partnership between Sri Lanka and Australia, particularly in the areas of defence cooperation, regional security, and diplomatic engagement.

Deputy Prime Minister Marles will be accompanied by senior officials from the Prime Minister’s Office, the Department of Defence, and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Australia.