Vijitha Herath Meets Belarus President Lukashenko As Sri Lanka Eyes Gem Trade, Machinery Imports

by Zulfick Farzan 14-05-2026 | 4:37 PM

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka and Belarus are set to open a “new chapter” in bilateral relations following high-level talks between Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath and Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko during an official visit.

The discussions focused on strengthening the longstanding friendship between the two countries and developing a clear roadmap for cooperation across mutually beneficial sectors, including trade, industry, agriculture, education, and people-to-people ties.

Both sides reaffirmed their shared commitment to deepening bilateral engagement as Sri Lanka and Belarus mark 25 years of diplomatic relations.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Minister Herath said the visit marked a significant step forward, highlighting a series of constructive and productive discussions held with President Lukashenko, the Foreign Minister, senior officials, business representatives, and members of the tourism sector.

He noted that several agreements were signed during the visit to enhance trade and economic cooperation. Among them was a key agreement paving the way for the establishment of direct air services between Sri Lanka and Belarus by the end of the year.

Minister Herath said the introduction of direct flights is expected to boost tourism, particularly by encouraging more Belarusian visitors to travel to Sri Lanka. He added that improved connectivity would also benefit Sri Lankan students studying in Belarus.

The agreements reached during the visit are also expected to strengthen cooperation in education and tourism sectors, he said.

“This visit is very important for our relations. Based on the agreements reached, we plan to take even more active steps to develop cooperation,” Herath emphasized.

The discussions also explored potential collaboration in the precious stones sector. Sri Lanka, known globally for its gemstone industry producing 70 to 80 varieties including Ceylon sapphires, rubies, alexandrites, and moonstones, is considering supplying raw stones for further processing in Belarus.

In return, Sri Lanka is looking to increase imports from Belarus, particularly in mechanical engineering products, agricultural machinery, and fertilizers.