Marking a significant milestone in its bilateral relations with the Republic of the Philippines Foreign Minister of Sri Lanka Vijitha Hertah ceremonially opened its first Honorary Consulate of Sri Lanka in the country, located in Davao City, on 25 July 2026. Ambassador of Sri Lanka in the Philippines Dr. Chanaka Talpahewa, Attaché/Consular Officer of the Sri Lankan Embassy Chaturi Kalpana, Honorary Consul of Sri Lanka to Mindanao William Chen, Congressman Harold Duterte and Municipal Counselors of Davao City and other government and local officials participated at the event.

The inauguration is particularly significant as it was opened as a part of the commemorating activities of the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Sri Lanka and the Philippines. The opening of the Honorary Consulate reflects the enduring friendship between the two countries and their shared commitment to strengthening cooperation across a wide range of sectors.

Davao City was selected after careful consideration of the growing need to make consular services more accessible to Sri Lankan and Philippine nationals in Mindanao. Until now, many applicants were required to travel to Manila—often by domestic flight—to attend to their consular matters. The establishment of the Honorary Consulate will provide a convenient point of access to these services, saving both time and expense.

Beyond its consular role, Davao is an important economic centre in the southern Philippines, offering significant opportunities to promote trade, investment, tourism, education and cultural exchanges between Sri Lanka and Mindanao. The Honorary Consulate is expected to serve as a bridge for strengthening these growing economic and people-to-people links.

Speaking at the inauguration, Foreign Minister Herath said: "The opening of Sri Lanka's first Honorary Consulate in the Philippines is both a practical step in improving consular services and a symbol of the enduring friendship between Sri Lanka and the Philippines. As we commemorate 65 years of diplomatic relations, we look forward to expanding our cooperation in trade, tourism, investment, education, and cultural exchanges, while further strengthening the ties between our peoples."

The Honorary Consulate will assist in providing selected consular services and serve as a liaison to promote bilateral economic, cultural and people-to-people relations in Mindanao. The modern and well-appointed Consulate has been designed to provide efficient, accessible and visitor-friendly consular services. The establishment of the Honorary Consulate reflects the shared commitment of both countries to building an even stronger partnership for the benefit of their peoples in the years ahead.

A large number of Sri Lankan nationals and their family members as well as Philippine well-wishers also participated.

Embassy of Sri Lanka 
Philippines

30 July 2026