Sri Lanka and Portugal to establish joint committee

Portuguese Foreign Minister Paulo Rangel agreed to establish a joint committee to conduct a preliminary study on returning Sri Lankan artefacts of historical value currently held in Portugal. This agreement was reached during an official meeting with Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Minister Paulo Rangel accepted Minister Herath's proposal to return historical items taken from Sri Lanka during the Portuguese colonial era, acknowledging it as a valid request. Both ministers focused on enforcing the existing cultural agreement between the two nations to begin these discussions.

Minister Vijitha Herath also proposed a more convenient mechanism for Sri Lankans seeking visas for Portugal, highlighting the difficulties currently faced by those required to travel to New Delhi for the process. Minister Rangel promised to look into the matter.

Key highlights of the bilateral meeting include:

• Cultural & Human Ties: Discussions on strengthening historical connections and people-to-people relations.


• Economic Cooperation: Agreements to develop a framework for increasing investment in renewable energy, trade, and tourism.


• Political Dialogue: Emphasis on establishing a political dialogue mechanism to enhance relations across all sectors.


• International Cooperation: Commitment to maintain mutual support within the United Nations on regional and global topics.

Minister Herath further expressed gratitude for Portugal's assistance following Cyclone Ditwa and indicated that the Sri Lankan government expects continued support from Portugal for reconstruction efforts.