By a special correspondent
Sri Lanka’s renewed engagement with Vietnam comes at a pivotal moment as the country seeks economic resilience amid cyclone-related devastation and prolonged financial strain. A recent high-level meeting between Sri Lankan officials and Vietnam’s Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Trinh Thi Tam, signals a shift from symbolic diplomacy toward practical cooperation in trade, investment, and sectoral development.
The discussions, held at the Ministry of Health and Mass Media, underscored the urgency of translating longstanding political goodwill into measurable economic outcomes. Vietnam, one of Southeast Asia’s fastest-growing economies, offers Sri Lanka a relevant model of export-led growth, industrial diversification, and effective public-sector reform. Its success in pharmaceuticals, medical equipment, agro-processing, and tourism aligns closely with Sri Lanka’s post-cyclone recovery priorities.
Vietnam’s manufacturing-led growth and strong foreign direct investment inflows demonstrate how regional partnerships can strengthen supply chains and reduce import dependence. For Sri Lanka, cooperation in pharmaceuticals and medical equipment could help rebuild disrupted healthcare services while lowering long-term costs. Joint ventures in agriculture, supported by Vietnamese technology and logistics expertise, may also help climate-vulnerable farmers recover and improve resilience.
Tourism cooperation presents another opportunity. Vietnam’s rapid post-pandemic rebound provides useful lessons for Sri Lanka as it repairs damaged coastal infrastructure and repositions itself as a resilient destination. Shared marketing strategies and investment partnerships could accelerate recovery while expanding regional travel flows. Minister Nalinda Jayatissa’s emphasis on strengthening political and economic ties reflects Colombo’s recognition that diplomacy must now serve domestic recovery and growth.
At the same time, Sri Lanka’s broader recovery strategy is being reinforced by improved connectivity with China. The launch of direct passenger flights between Beijing and Colombo, scheduled for early 2026 with Beijing Capital Airlines, marks a strategic step toward revitalizing tourism following cyclone-related economic disruption. China remains Sri Lanka’s fourth-largest source of tourists, contributing significantly to hotels, transport, and retail, yet arrivals declined in 2025 due to limited connectivity, rising costs, and changing travel patterns.
Direct flights address key barriers by reducing travel time and costs for Chinese tourists, making Sri Lanka more competitive regionally. Increased seat capacity also provides predictability for tourism-dependent businesses struggling with disrupted cash flows. Early data shows strong latent demand, with over 5,400 Chinese visitors arriving in the first half of December 2025 alone, even without new nonstop services.
Beyond tourism, stronger air links carry diplomatic and commercial value by facilitating business travel, trade fairs, and investment missions. In a volatile global economy, diversifying markets is essential. While India remains dominant, expanding access to China and deepening ties with Vietnam strengthens Sri Lanka’s economic resilience.
Ultimately, Sri Lanka’s recovery depends not only on rebuilding infrastructure but on reconnecting with reliable regional partners. Whether through Vietnam’s manufacturing expertise or China’s tourism and investment potential, these relationships represent forward-looking investments in stability, diversification, and sustainable growth.