Diplomatic Relations between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh

Sri Lanka officially recognized Bangladesh as an independent and sovereign State on 04 March 1972. Further strengthening the growing bilateral partnership, the High Commission of Bangladesh in Colombo commenced operations on 21 April 1976, while the High Commission of Sri Lanka in Dhaka was established in June 1979.

On 4 March 2022, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh commemorated the 50th Anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, celebrating five decades of enduring friendship, mutual trust, and close cooperation.

The longstanding and multifaceted relationship between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh is founded on shared values, mutual respect, goodwill, and a common commitment to regional peace, stability, and prosperity. Over the years, bilateral relations have continued to expand across a broad spectrum of areas of mutual interest, including political and diplomatic cooperation, trade and investment, economic partnership, education, agriculture, defence, maritime affairs, tourism, culture, health, and people-to-people exchanges. Regular exchanges of high-level visits and constructive engagements between the leaders and senior dignitaries of the two countries, together with the conclusion of numerous bilateral Agreements and Memoranda of Understanding in diverse fields, have significantly contributed to further strengthening and deepening this mutually beneficial partnership.

Sri Lanka and Bangladesh cooperate closely through a number of regional and multilateral organizations and forums, which provide valuable platforms for collaboration.

As close neighbours in South Asia and longstanding partners in regional cooperation, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh remain firmly committed to promoting peace, stability, sustainable development, and shared prosperity. Both countries actively cooperate within the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) and the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC). They are also members of several other important regional and international organizations, including the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), the Commonwealth of Nations, the Colombo Plan, the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), the Group of 77 (G-77), and the United Nations (UN). Through these forums, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh work closely on issues of common interest and continue to coordinate positions on a wide range of regional and global matters.

The presence of the Sri Lankan business community in Bangladesh has made a significant contribution to strengthening bilateral economic relations. Approximately 2,700 - 3,000  Sri Lankan nationals are currently engaged in business and professional activities across Bangladesh. They include entrepreneurs, investors, and skilled professionals working in sectors such as textiles and apparel, power and energy, banking and financial services, logistics and shipping, agriculture, education, healthcare, information technology, manufacturing, and other service industries.