Hon. Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, Minister of Health and Mass Media of Sri Lanka, representing the Government of Sri Lanka, attended the Oath-Taking Ceremony of the newly elected Government of Bangladesh, held at the South Plaza of Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban (National Parliament House) in Dhaka on 17 February 2026.
Following the ceremony, Hon. Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa paid a courtesy call on His Excellency Tarique Rahman, the newly elected Prime Minister of Bangladesh. During the meeting, the Hon. Minister conveyed, on behalf of His Excellency the President, the Government, and the people of Sri Lanka, warm congratulations and sincere best wishes to the Prime Minister on the Bangladesh Nationalist Party's landslide victory in the 13th National Parliamentary Elections held on 12 February 2026. He also extended best wishes to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on his assumption of office.
The two dignitaries reaffirmed the long-standing, close, and cordial relations between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, rooted in mutual respect, shared democratic values, and constructive cooperation at bilateral, regional, and multilateral levels. They exchanged views on avenues to further strengthen this multifaceted partnership in line with the shared development aspirations of both countries.
Special emphasis was placed on cooperation in the education and health sectors. Both sides underscored the importance of enhancing collaboration through the exchange of best practices, capacity building, and institutional partnerships for the benefit of their peoples. Hon. Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa also highlighted the significant potential for cooperation in the pharmaceutical sector, noting Sri Lanka’s interest in procuring medicines from Bangladesh through a Government-to-Government framework, subject to the completion of the necessary due processes by both countries.
The Hon. Minister further expressed appreciation for the support extended by the Government of Bangladesh to Sri Lankan nationals engaged in professional services and business activities in Bangladesh, particularly in the apparel sector, manufacturing industries, logistics, finance, and power generation, noting their positive contribution to the Bangladeshi economy.
Dharmapala Weerakkody, High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to Bangladesh, was present at the meeting.
