The Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, Muhammad Anis Matta undertook an official visit to Sri Lanka from April 23-25, 2026, at the invitation of Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment Arun Hemachandra.
During the visit, Vice Minister Matta held bilateral discussions with Deputy Minister Hemachandra on 24 April 2026. Welcoming the Indonesian Vice Minister, Deputy Minister Hemachandra commented on the long-standing friendship between the two countries and reiterated Sri Lanka’s commitment to further strengthening of the bilateral ties. Vice Minister Matta noted the importance of enhancing economic engagement, in particular, ways and means to increasing the existing trade volume to a higher level. The two sides agreed on the importance of holding Bilateral political consultations early, and exchange of high-level visits to foster closer engagement with a view to elevating the bilateral relations to the level of a strategic partnership in the years ahead. The two sides also discussed initiatives focused on promoting greater people-to-people connectivity, maritime collaboration, and cultural exchanges between the two countries, in the wider context of unlocking the untapped potential.
Vice Minister Matta paid a courtesy call on the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Vijitha Herath at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on 24th April 2026. At this meeting, the two sides noted that an MoU on Bilateral Political Consultations and an Agreement on Visa Exemption for Diplomatic and Official passports between the two countries have reached the final stages of the relevant processes. They expressed hope that the two sides would be able to conclude them in the near future, and hold the Bilateral Political Consultations and Joint Commission meeting, early. The two sides exchanged views on regional and global developments of mutual interest, and reiterated their shared commitment to upholding peace, stability, and sustainable development in the region. In view of the upcoming 75th Anniversary of Diplomatic relations between Sri Lanka and Indonesia in 2027, both sides agreed on the importance of exchanging high level visits.
During his visit, Vice Minister Matta also held a meeting with the Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Dr. Hiniduma Sunil Senevi.
The Ambassador of Indonesia to Sri Lanka, senior officials of the Foreign Ministry of Indonesia and senior officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism of Sri Lanka were associated with the meetings.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism
Colombo 01
29 April 2026
