Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment of Sri Lanka, Arun Hemachandra, who was on an official visit to Romania, met with the President of the Romania–Sri Lanka Parliamentary Friendship Group, Marius-Constantin Budăi, and several members of the Group on 21 October 2026 at the Parliament of Romania in Bucharest.
Highlighting the importance of parliamentary diplomacy, Deputy Minister Hemachandra underscored the role of parliamentary friendship groups in strengthening bilateral relations, political dialogue and mutual understanding. He noted that regular exchanges between parliamentarians facilitated the sharing of legislative best practices, governance experiences and perspectives on matters of common interest. He also reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s commitment to parliamentary governance and expressed confidence in the Group’s continued contribution to strengthening bilateral ties.
Reaffirming Sri Lanka’s commitment to bilateral engagement, Deputy Minister Hemachandra invited the Romania–Sri Lanka Parliamentary Friendship Group to undertake an official visit to Sri Lanka in the coming year. He also emphasized the Government of Sri Lanka’s policy focus on regulated labour migration and secure remittance channels.
The Romanian delegation expressed appreciation for the contribution of Sri Lankan migrant workers to Romania’s economy and acknowledged their role in enriching the country’s social fabric through cultural exchange and strong people-to-people ties. The Romanian side also highlighted challenges arising from instances in which a small number of migrants used Romania as a transit point to reach other European destinations.
Recognizing these dynamics, both sides agreed on the need to broaden bilateral cooperation beyond labour migration. They highlighted the potential for enhanced economic cooperation, particularly through trade diversification and increased tourist arrivals from Romania to Sri Lanka.
Furthermore, Deputy Minister Hemachandra sought Romania’s support for Sri Lanka’s upcoming reapplication for the European Union’s GSP+ preferential trade scheme.
Embassy of Sri Lanka
Bucharest
22 October 2026
