Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Melbourne

Official Visit of Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath to Australia

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Vijitha Herath concluded a successful official visit to Australia from 31 May – 3 June 2026. The official programme commenced in Melbourne with a courtesy call on H.E. Professor Hon. Margaret Gardner, Governor of Victoria and held bilateral discussions with Premier of Victoria Hon. Jacinta Allan. Both sides appreciated the progress made in bilateral ties since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1947 and reiterated their shared commitment to elevating the multifaceted partnership between Sri Lanka and Victoria. Premier Jacinta highly commended the significant contribution made by the Sri Lankan community in Victoria to the State’s economy. Premier was joined by the State Minister for Economic Growth and Jobs Steve Dimopoulos MP.

Minister Herath also met with members of the Victorian State Parliament and discussed means of enhancing Parliamentary cooperation, strengthening government-to-government partnerships, supporting the Sri Lankan diaspora, and expanding trade and tourism ties. The Minister also thanked the members for their continued support for the Sri Lankan community in Victoria and briefed on Sri Lanka’s economic recovery.

During the visit, Minister Herath addressed “Sri Lanka- Victoria Industry Round-table” jointly hosted by Global Victoria and the Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Melbourne at the “Victorian Investment Centre”. Deputy Secretary for Industry, Trade and Investment of the Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry & Regions of Victoria, Danni Jarrett co- facilitated the discussion along with the Minister Herath. Australian high-level business entrepreneurs from sectors including trade, tourism, aviation, infrastructure, education, IT and sport joined the discussion. Minister Herath invited Victorian investors to explore new opportunities being developed in Sri Lanka especially in the Port City Colombo and encouraged the Victorian government to promote Sri Lanka as a safe, attractive and promising tourist destination.

The Foreign Minister concluded his official visit in Canberra, where he met with Senator the Hon Penny Wong, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Australia, and participated in a series of key engagements.

The Sri Lankan delegation at the meetings in Victoria included Consul General for Sri Lanka in Melbourne Pradeepa Saram, and Ms. Savitri Panabokke, Director General, East Asia & Oceania of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism of Sri Lanka.

Governor of Victoria
Jacinta Allan
Steve Dimopoulos MP
Cassandra Fernando MP
Pauline Richards MP
Lee Tarlamis MP
Richard Riordan MP
Brad Battin MP

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The Consulate General of Sri Lanka commemorated the Vesak festival on 30 May 2026 with great reverence marking the birth, enlightenment and passing away of Lord Buddha.

The programme held at the Consulate premises in the evening, brought together members of the Sri Lankan community and well-wishers. The event commenced with a special Sambuddha Puja conducted by the Venerable Higurupanagala Jinananda Thero, resident monk of Dandenong Dhammdeepa Meditation Centre.

The Consulate premises were decorated with colourful Vesak lanterns and buckets and featured a beautifully illuminated Vesak Pandol (Vesak Thorana) depicting the story of the Maha Mayura Jathaka tale. The pandol was erected with the assistance of the Sri Lankan expatriates in Melbourne, at the Chancery premises in coordination with the Consulate General Office. The Vesak pandol was inaugurated by the Consul General of Sri Lanka in Melbourne Pradeepa Saram.

In keeping with true spirit of Dana, the programme concluded with a Dansala, where attendees served with refreshments.

Special thanks are due for Mr. Saranga Bandara for the art designs, Dr. Kulan Ranasinghe for decorations and lighting designs of the Vesak Pandol, Mr. Wickramapala Wanniarachchi for frame work creating and other volunteers for their tireless work to erect the pandol in an elegant manner in the heart of the Melbourne city.



Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Sri Lanka
Public Diplomacy MFA Sri Lanka

Vesak Day Message of H.E. the President

Vesak Day Message of Hon. Prime Minister

Vesak Day Message of the Hon. Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism