Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment of Sri Lanka, Hon. Arun Hemachandra, concluded a successful official visit to Brussels, Belgium, from 18–23 November 2025, attending the 4th EU Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forum organised by the European Union and engaging in several high-level meetings and events. The visit took place on the invitation extended by High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President (HR/VP) of the European Commission, H.E. Kaja Kallas.
Deputy Minister met Chair of the International Trade Committee (INTA) of the European Parliament and EU-GSP Rapporteur, H.E. Bernd Lange, on 19 November and held a wide-ranging discussion on collaboration between Sri Lanka and the European Union, including the GSP+ benefit and further enhancing trade relations.
Deputy Minister Hemachandra, had a discussion with Chair of the South Asia Delegation of the EU Parliament, Şerban Dimitrie Sturdza, in Brussels on 19 November, focusing on elevating the Sri Lanka–EU partnership to the next level and strengthening parliamentary ties.
During the visit, Deputy Minister, Hon. Arun Hemachandra, visited the Port of Antwerp–Bruges on 20 November and had a cordial discussion with senior officials of the Port of Antwerp–Bruges on ongoing efforts to connect the Port with the ports and shipping sector in Sri Lanka.
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment, Hon. Arun Hemachandra, met President of the Belgium–Sri Lanka Parliamentary Friendship Group in the Belgium Federal Parliament, Hon. Franky Demon, on 20 November. The discussion focused on exploring avenues to further strengthen parliamentary cooperation between Sri Lanka and Belgium.
Deputy Minister Hemachandra, met Secretary General of the European External Action Service (EEAS), Ms. Belén Martínez Carbonell, on 20 November and exchanged views on enhancing cooperation, promoting bilateral relations, trade, investments, and elevating Sri Lanka–EU relations to the next level
Deputy Minister attended the Gala Dinner hosted by High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President (HR/VP) of the European Commission, Kaja Kallas, for delegations from 64 countries on 20 November.
The Sri Lanka delegation, led by Deputy Minister, Hon. Arun Hemachandra, and consisting of Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Belgium, Luxembourg and the European Union, H.E. Chandana Weerasena, and other senior officials of the Embassy, attended the 4th EU-Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forum on 21 November.
The Forum was held at the European Union Headquarters in Brussels with the participation of over 70 high-level delegations, focusing on current geopolitical developments, economic security, digital connectivity, and common endeavours for a clean and sustainable future. The Forum was chaired by High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President (HR/VP) of the European Commission, H.E. Kaja Kallas.
In addition to the opening and closing plenary sessions of the Ministerial Forum, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment of Sri Lanka, Hon. Arun Hemachandra, participated in one of the three round-table discussions under the theme “Shared prosperity, economic security, and digital connectivity.” He made an intervention highlighting Sri Lanka’s institutional reforms, efforts for inclusive growth, economic security, and shared prosperity, as well as the importance of promoting deeper cooperation and stronger relationships across the Indo-Pacific.
On the side-lines of the Forum, Director for Asia & Pacific of the Directorate-General for International Partnerships (DG INTPA) of the European Commission, Peteris Ustubs, met Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment of Sri Lanka, Hon. Arun Hemachandra, and explored opportunities available for Sri Lanka under the Global Gateway Programme of the European Union and potential deeper economic cooperation.
Deputy Minister, Hon. Arun Hemachandra, formally inaugurated the Belgium, Luxembourg–Sri Lanka (BELGOLUX) Business Council in Brussels on 21 November, which will serve as a platform to facilitate and expand two-way business connections among the three countries.
The visit was coordinated by the Embassy of Sri Lanka to Belgium, Luxembourg and the European Union, with the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism of Sri Lanka, the European Union, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Belgium.
Embassy of Sri Lanka
Brussels
25 November 20254
