Sri Lanka, Belarus Sign Air Services Pact, MoUs On Education and Healthcare

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka and Belarus signed an Air Services Agreement and two Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) on higher education and healthcare, marking a significant step in strengthening bilateral relations during Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath’s official visit.

Speaking at a joint media event at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Belarus, Minister Herath said the agreement and MoUs would lay a solid foundation for advancing cooperation between the two countries in the years ahead.

The Air Services Agreement between the two governments is expected to pave the way for regular flight operations by Belarusian carrier ‘Belavia’ to Sri Lanka, enhancing tourism, business exchanges, and overall connectivity.

Minister Herath emphasized that Sri Lanka sees strong potential in tourism cooperation with Belarus, noting that improved connectivity could unlock untapped opportunities in the sector.

The two sides also highlighted the importance of the newly signed MoUs in higher education and healthcare, with a focus on delivering tangible outcomes. Discussions covered expanded collaboration in postgraduate education, specialized training, and continued opportunities for Sri Lankan students in Belarus. Currently, more than 3,000 Sri Lankan students are studying at Belarusian universities, particularly in the field of medicine.

In healthcare, both countries explored cooperation in medical technology, the supply of affordable medicines, potential joint ventures in pharmaceutical production, and exchanges of expertise in healthcare management and medical training. Sri Lanka also expressed readiness to share its expertise in Ayurveda and wellness.

The agreements followed extensive discussions between Minister Herath and Belarusian Foreign Minister Maxim Ryzhenkov, focusing on strengthening bilateral ties through political consultations, the Intergovernmental Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation, and increased exchange of visits, including between legislatures.

Minister Herath reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s commitment to expanding cooperation with Belarus in trade, investment, and tourism, inviting Belarusian stakeholders to take advantage of Sri Lanka’s investment-friendly environment.

The visit marks a high-level engagement from Sri Lanka to Belarus after more than a decade and comes as the two nations commemorate 25 years of diplomatic relations established in 2000. Minister Herath conveyed greetings from President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, stressing on the longstanding relationship between the two countries.

The discussions also touched on cooperation at multilateral forums, with Sri Lanka expressing appreciation for Belarus’ continued support at the UN Human Rights Council and both sides exploring mutual backing for candidatures in international organizations.

Minister Herath extended an invitation to Minister Ryzhenkov to visit Sri Lanka, expressing confidence that continued engagement would elevate bilateral relations further.

The visit is set to include meetings with Belarusian President Lukashenko, ministers, and parliamentary leadership, as well as participation in business and tourism engagements and interactions with Sri Lankan students in Belarus.