Consul General of Sri Lanka in Melbourne, Pradeepa Saram met with the officials of the Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions of Victoria State Government at International Chamber House on 21 July 2025. The discussion focused on advancing trade and investment opportunities between Sri Lanka and Victoria, with particular emphasis of key sectors such as apparel & textile, gems & jewellery, electrical & electronics and rubber –based products.
During the meeting, the Consul General highlighted the dynamic presence of Sri Lankan-born entrepreneurs within Melbourne's business community, noting their achievements across a range of sectors. Many have founded successful enterprises and continue to make significant contributions to both the Victorian and Sri Lankan economies. She also acknowledged that Victoria hosts the largest Sri Lankan-born population in Australia.
Officials from the Victorian State Government highlighted the potential contributions of Victorian companies to the Sri Lankan economy, particularly in the sectors of trade and investment, agriculture, education, and healthcare.
Education partnerships between Victoria and Sri Lanka continue to strengthen, marked by robust student enrolments in Victoria and active collaborations with Sri Lankan institutions to deliver academic programs through universities and Technical and Further Education (TAFE) providers. Partner institutions in Sri Lanka bring demonstrated experience in offering Victorian higher education and vocational qualifications across a range of disciplines, including business, engineering, information technology, science, and hospitality.
Both sides acknowledged the emergence of sports collaborations as a promising avenue for engagement between Victoria and Sri Lanka. During a recent visit to Sri Lanka, Global Victoria’s Commissioner to South Asia, Michelle Wade held discussions with the Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, focusing on potential partnerships that align with Victoria’s core strengths—namely sports medicine, high-performance training facilities, and strategic initiatives related to the establishment of a sports university.
The Consul General emphasized the strategic importance of advancing business relations to foster mutual benefits through Victoria–Sri Lanka partnerships and to unlock the significant potential for future collaborative initiatives.
Consulate General of Sri Lanka
Melbourne
23 July 2025
