MONETABRIEF – Direct flights and recent visits by President Anura Dissanayake to Vietnam and General Secretary To Lam to Sri Lanka have brought Vietnam and Sri Lanka closer, straightening diplomatic and economic ties, officials said.

"These two countries agreed during this visit to elevate the existing relations to the level of comprehensive strategic partnership," Justice Minister Sudarshana Nanayakkara said marking the 81st National Day of Vietnam.

"The inauguration of the direct flights between Ho Chi Minh City and Colombo marked a historic milestone in promoting tourism, business travel, and regional connectivity."

Bilateral trade increased to $324 million in 2025, up from $278.9 million in 2024, he said.

Vietnam's National Day falls on September 02 when President Ho Chi Minh read out a declaration of independence in 1945, in the wake of what is called the August Revolution, shortly after Japan, which was effectively occupying Northern Vietnam, was defeated in World War II by the Allies.

Flag carrier Vietnam Airlines started direct flights on August 16 and VietJet, a private operator two days later.

"Now, we have six direct flights a week connecting Ho Chi Minh City, a busy commercial city of Vietnam, and Colombo, a beautiful city of Sri Lanka," Ambassador of Vietnam in Sri Lanka Trinh Thi Tam said.

"Direct air connectivity will make travel easier, thus bringing more opportunities for bilateral cooperation, as well as people-to-people exchange between our two countries," Ambassador of Vietnam in Sri Lanka Trinh Thi Tam said.

Sri Lanka and Vietnam established diplomatic relations a little over 55 years ago, making the island one of the first to recognize the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

The government, ministries and agencies, as well as business community of Sri Lanka has supported the embassy in realizing the commitment made by high-level leaders, she said.

"I would like to take this opportunity to express my appreciation to the Vietnamese community in Sri Lanka," she said. "Despite the small size, the Vietnamese community has always been an important bridge between Vietnam and Sri Lanka.

"They have worked, studied, done business, and contributed to the local community with a strong sense of responsibility."

The National Day celebrations in Colombo were also market by cultural events.

Vietnamese artisan Dang Dinh Thuong demonstrated the traditional art of tò he involved with making colourful figurines on bamboo sticks with rice dough mixed with bright natural pigments.

A fashion show was also held in collaboration with KIU university featuring versions of the Vietnamese tradition dress the áo dài (pronounced ow yai). (Colombo/Sept02/2026)