Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment Arun Hemachandra undertook an official visit to Yunnan Province, China, from 10 to 13 June 2026, at the invitation of the Governor of Yunnan Province Wang Yubo, to attend the 10th China–South Asia Expo and the 7th China –South Asia Cooperation Forum.
During the visit, Deputy Minister Hemachandra undertook a series of official engagements aimed at further strengthening relations with Yunnan Province, particularly in the areas of trade, tourism, education, industrial cooperation, cultural exchange, and people-to-people ties.
On 10 June, the Deputy Minister visited Yunnan Normal University and held discussions on enhancing educational cooperation, academic exchanges and institutional partnerships. Governor of Yunnan Province Wang Yubo hosted a banquet to welcome the Deputy Minister and other dignitaries.
On 11 June, Deputy Minister Hemachandra joined the Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development, Wasantha Samarasinghe at the opening ceremony of the China–South Asia Expo and inaugurated the Sri Lankan Pavilion, which showcased Sri Lanka’s export potential, cultural heritage, and commitment to expanding trade and commercial ties with China and the wider South Asian region. Later in the day, he addressed the China–South Asia Cooperation Forum, a regional platform for dialogue and practical cooperation between China and South Asian countries. In his address, he reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s commitment to promoting regional cooperation, connectivity, trade, investment, tourism, education, and people-centred development.
On the sidelines of the China–South Asia Cooperation Forum, the Deputy Minister met with the Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade of Vietnam Nguyen Sinh Nhat Tan. The Deputy Minister recalled the outcome of the recent high-level exchanges between the two countries and the resulting opportunities for enhanced bilateral cooperation. Deputy Minister Nguyen Sinh Nhat Tan reaffirmed Vietnam’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with Sri Lanka.
On 12 June, the Deputy Minister held discussions with the Vice Governor of Yunnan Province Xu Hao where the focus was on strengthening relations, expanding trade and commercial links, promoting tourism, enhancing educational cooperation, and exploring practical areas for partnership. He took part in a study tour, which included visits to a cosmetics manufacturing facility and a cable manufacturing plant. The visits provided insights into industrial development and opportunities for industrial cooperation.
On 13 June, the Deputy Minister visited the 10th China–South Asia Expo, where he engaged with exhibitors and promoted greater market access for Sri Lankan products. He also participated in a CGTN interview and product showcase to highlight Sri Lanka’s exports, tourism, and investment opportunities. The visit further strengthened Sri Lanka’s partnership with the Yunnan Province in the broader context of enhancing bilateral cooperation with China.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment & Tourism
Colombo
22 June 2026