Sri Lanka High Commission, Australia

𝑴𝒐𝒃𝒊𝒍𝒆 𝑪𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒖𝒍𝒂𝒓 𝑺𝒆𝒓𝒗𝒊𝒄𝒆 𝒊𝒏 𝑺𝒚𝒅𝒏𝒆𝒚 – 04𝒕𝒉 𝑱𝒖𝒍𝒚 2026

𝑭𝒓𝒆𝒆 𝑻𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒊𝒔𝒕 𝑽𝒊𝒔𝒂𝒔 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝑵𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒂𝒍𝒔 𝒐𝒇 40 𝑺𝒆𝒍𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝑪𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒕𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒔

𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐢𝐠𝐧 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐕𝐢𝐣𝐢𝐭𝐡𝐚 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐡 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐬 𝐚 𝐒𝐮𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐀𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐚

Vijitha Herath, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment & Tourism concluded a successful visit to Australia from 31 May to 03 June 2026. In a significant step towards deepening bilateral relations between Sri Lanka and Australia, a series of high-level engagements were held during the visit in Melbourne and Canberra, focusing on economic partnerships, regional security, diaspora engagement and parliamentary diplomacy.
Foreign Minister Herath commenced his visit in Melbourne where he met with H.E. Professor Hon. Margaret Gardner, Governor of Victoria, Hon Jacinta Allan, Premier of Victoria and participated at a roundtable discussion jointly hosted by Global Victoria and the Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Melbourne.
In Canberra, Minister Herath met his counterpart Senator the Hon. Penny Wong, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Australia and the Leader of the Government in the Senate, who stressed Australia’s interest in elevating the bilateral relations with Sri Lanka in maritime and economic cooperation to support a peaceful, stable and prosperous Indian Ocean. Minister Herath noted that Sri Lanka’s relationship with Australia is one of our oldest diplomatic relationships, having commenced in 1947 and that there have been a number of high-level visits in recent months that are a testament to the growing relationship between the two countries, including the visit of the Governor General of Australia in August 2025. He briefed the Australian Foreign Minister on Sri Lanka Expo 2027 to be held in January 2027 in Colombo and invited an Australian delegation to use the platform to connect with diverse industries, export capabilities and investment opportunities in Sri Lanka. Minister Herath also discussed on possible cooperation and capacity building in cyber security.
The regional focus of the visit was further consolidated during a meeting with the Hon. Tim Watts, the Prime Minister of Australia’s Special Envoy for Indian Ocean Affairs. As Indian Ocean neighbours, both countries reaffirmed their vital interest in regional security through ongoing defence cooperation and blue economy initiatives, committing to a growing maritime partnership.
Minister Herath paid a courtesy call on the Speaker of the Parliament of Australia, Hon. Milton Dick. The discussions with the Speaker centred on strengthening parliamentary relations between the two countries. Foreign Minister also had the opportunity to observe the Question Time in the Australian House of Representatives.
The Foreign Minister held discussions with the Sri Lanka-Australia Parliamentary Friendship Group and expressed appreciation to the Chair of the Friendship Group Hon. Cassandra Fernando MP, who is of Sri Lankan origin for her leadership in championing stronger bilateral relations and cultural exchanges. Foreign Minister briefed the Members of the Parliament on Sri Lanka’s economic recovery, and the emerging opportunities in trade, tourism and investments.
Minister Herath also met with Hon. Dr. Anne Aly, Minister for International Development, Multicultural Affairs, and Small Business, who re-affirmed Australia’s interest in engagement with Sri Lanka as a steadfast reliable development partner. The dialogue also highlighted the invaluable contributions of the vibrant Sri Lankan diaspora to Australia's multicultural success and economy.
The visit concluded with a Community Event at the Sri Lanka High Commission, where the Foreign Minister connected directly with members of the Sri Lankan community from Canberra, Sydney, and Queensland.
Minister Herath was accompanied at these high-level engagements by H.E. Ms. Yasoja Gunasekera, High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to Australia, Ms. Savitri Panabokke, Director General, East Asia and Oceania of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment & Tourism of Sri Lanka, and senior officials of the Sri Lanka High Commission in Canberra.

The Sri Lanka High Commission
Canberra

03 June 2026

Sri Lanka High Commission in Canberra Commemorates Vesak with Solemnity and Cultural Splendor

The High Commission of Sri Lanka to Australia solemnly celebrated the sacred festival of Vesak, marking the Birth, Enlightenment, and Passing Away (Parinirvana) of the Lord Buddha, on Thursday, 28th May 2026 at the High Commission premises in Canberra.

The event drew a distinguished gathering, including Heads of Mission in Canberra from Thailand and Russia, members of the diplomatic corps from Vietnam, Malaysia Bhutan, China, and Myanmar, Dr. Fuxin Li, the president of the ACT Community Language Schools Association, alongside a large number of the Sri Lankan community residing in Canberra.

Her Excellency Yasoja Gunasekera, High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to Australia, delivered the welcome address, outlining the significance of Vesak; the eternal relevance of the Buddha’s message of peace and loving kindness; the importance of Buddhism in shaping Sri Lanka’s culture and society; Sri Lanka’s contribution to Buddhism; and Sri Lanka’s role in leading the United Nations General Assembly Resolution 54/115 on the International Recognition of the Day of Vesak in 2000.

The religious proceedings were led by Ven. Kotapola Upali Thero and Ven. Mahiyangane Dhammapala from Sri Lanka Buddhist Vihara and Royal Pandith Ven. Katuwana Sugathasoma Thero from Sri Lanka Dhamma Vihara, Canberra, including a short Dhamma sermon and the rhythmic chanting of Pirith, invoking peace, health, and harmony for all global citizens. As a gesture of supreme reverence and merit, the High Commission presented the Atapirikara (The Eight Essential Requisites) to the clergy, followed by the traditional offering of Gilampasa (herbal beverages and tea).

Bringing a melodic dimension to the commemoration, the staff members of the High Commission and their families presented a vibrant session of Bhakthigeetha (devotional songs), filling the chancery with choral music that captured the deep spiritual essence of the festival.

The Chancery building was decorated with colourful Vesak lanterns prepared by the High Commission staff and families and a Digital Thorana (Pandol) was displayed at the High Commission premises depicting the Katthari Jathakaya.

In keeping with the timeless Buddhist tradition of Dana (charity and giving), the evening concluded with the opening of a Dansala. Attendees, including international diplomats, local dignitaries, and the Sri Lankan diaspora in Canberra, came together to share a complimentary spread of traditional Sri Lankan food and refreshments, symbolizing the communal spirit of generosity and togetherness that defines Vesak.

The High Commission of Sri Lanka in Australia
29 May 2026

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐫𝐢 𝐋𝐚𝐧𝐤𝐚-𝐀𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐚 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐅𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐩 𝐋𝐚𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐝 𝐒𝐮𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥𝐲

The Sri Lanka High Commission in Canberra successfully launched the Sri Lanka–Australia Parliamentary Friendship Group on 26 May 2026 at the High Commission premises.
Despite the demanding nature of the current parliamentary sitting schedule, over twenty-five Australian Federal Members of Parliament and Senators from across the political spectrum attended the event, demonstrating a strong, bipartisan commitment to bilateral ties with Sri Lanka.
The Hon. Matt Thistlethwaite MP, Assistant Minister for Immigration and Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. In his remarks, Assistant Minister Thistlethwaite commended the invaluable contributions of the Sri Lankan migrant community, noting that their rich cultural heritage and professional expertise have profoundly shaped and strengthened the fabric of modern multicultural Australia. The event was also attended by senior officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and prominent representatives of the Sri Lankan community in Australia, including the Honorary Consul to Queensland Mr. Nalin Perera.
The Sri Lanka–Australia Parliamentary Friendship Group is chaired by the Hon. Cassandra Fernando M.P., a Sri Lankan-born parliamentarian who affirmed her dedication to enhancing relations between Sri Lanka and Australia while advocating for shared values and interests. The Vice Chair of the Group, the Hon. Senator Wendy Askew, also assured her steadfast support in driving this pivotal bilateral partnership forward. Hon. Ash Ambihaipahar M.P., who is of Sri Lankan heritage also participated in the meeting.
Comprising 34 Members of Parliament, the Sri Lanka – Australia Parliamentary Friendship Group serves as a vital instrument for strengthening long-standing bilateral relations and acts as a critical conduit for engaging with the Parliament of Sri Lanka as well as Sri Lanka’s diplomatic representation in Australia.
In her address, the High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to Australia, H.E. Yasoja Gunasekera, briefed the members of the group on Sri Lanka’s current economic, political, and security landscape. She emphasized the critical role of the Friendship Group in enhancing cooperation between Sri Lanka and Australia across all spheres and assured her commitment to working closely with the Federal Members of the Parliament. Captain Sagara Udayanga, Defence Counsellor at the Sri Lanka High Commission made a presentation on Sri Lanka – Australia Defence Cooperation.
The highly successful evening concluded with reciprocal assurances of continued, close collaboration to elevate the Sri Lanka–Australia partnership to greater heights.

𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑯𝒊𝒈𝒉 𝑪𝒐𝒎𝒎𝒊𝒔𝒔𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒐𝒇 𝑺𝒓𝒊 𝑳𝒂𝒏𝒌𝒂 𝒕𝒐 𝑨𝒖𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒍𝒊𝒂
𝑪𝒂𝒏𝒃𝒆𝒓𝒓𝒂
27 𝑴𝒂𝒚 2026

𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐇𝐨𝐧. 𝐕𝐢𝐣𝐢𝐭𝐡𝐚 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐡, 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐢𝐠𝐧 𝐀𝐟𝐟𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐬, 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐢𝐠𝐧 𝐄𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐲𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐓𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐦 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐫𝐢 𝐋𝐚𝐧𝐤𝐚

On the invitation of the Government of Australia, Hon. Vijitha Herath, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism of Sri Lanka, is scheduled to visit Australia in the coming week.
During the visit, the Hon. Minister will meet with the Sri Lankan community in Australia.
The community meeting in Canberra has been arranged for Tuesday, 2 June 2026, at 6:00 PM, at the Sri Lanka High Commission in Canberra.

You are all warmly welcome to participate.

High Commission of Sri Lanka
Canberra

The Sri Lanka High Commission warmly invites you to attend the Vesak Celebration – 2026.

🌸Vesak Celebration 2026 🌸

Join the Sri Lankan community in Canberra for a serene and spiritually uplifting Vesak Celebration 2026 🙏

✨ What to Expect:

🏮 Traditional Vesak lantern displays
🎶 Devotional songs (Bhakthi Gee)
🍛 Dansala (free food for all visitors)