The Fourth Round of Bilateral Consultations between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of Sri Lanka and the Sultanate of Oman was successfully held in Muscat on 3 August 2026, providing an important platform to review the progress of bilateral relations and identify new avenues for cooperation in trade, investment, digitalisation, connectivity, innovation and human capital development.

The Sri Lankan delegation was led by Secretary to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Aruni Ranaraja, while the Omani delegation was headed by Under Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Oman Sheikh Khalifa bin Ali bin Issa Al Harthy.

The consultations reaffirmed the strong foundation of Sri Lanka–Oman relations and the shared determination to expand cooperation beyond traditional areas into emerging sectors with significant economic potential. Both sides focused on advancing negotiations on a Special Trading Arrangement, which is expected to create new opportunities for expanding bilateral trade and facilitating investment and strengthening private sector partnerships.

Sri Lanka welcomed Oman’s significant achievements in digital transformation, particularly its experience in digitalising public services and harnessing artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance efficiency, transparency and innovation in the public sector. Recognizing the digital economy as a key driver of future growth, both sides agreed to promote the exchange of expertise, best practices and innovative solutions while exploring cooperation in digital governance, AI applications and technology-driven entrepreneurship.

The two sides also emphasized the importance of strengthening connectivity through direct maritime and air cargo links, recognizing Oman’s strategic position as a regional maritime, logistics and transshipment hub and its potential to serve as a gateway for enhanced trade and economic engagement.

Building on their shared role as founding members of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), the two sides also reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening maritime cooperation and contributing towards a secure, stable and prosperous Indian Ocean region.

The consultations further explored cooperation in agriculture, fisheries, tourism, higher education, technical and vocational training and investment, including opportunities aligned with Oman Vision 2040 and Sri Lanka’s economic transformation priorities. Both sides underscored the importance of enhancing business-to-business linkages, encouraging greater private sector engagement and creating an enabling environment for investment.

Recognizing the invaluable contribution of approximately 28,000 Sri Lankan nationals residing and working in Oman, Secretary Ranaraja expressed appreciation for Oman’s continued support for the Sri Lankan community and highlighted their important contribution to Oman’s economic development. The Omani Under Secretary commended the professionalism, skills and positive contribution of the Sri Lankan workforce.

The consultations concluded with both sides agreeing to maintain regular high-level engagement and to convene the Fifth Round of Bilateral Consultations in Colombo.

On the sidelines of the consultations, Secretary Aruni Ranaraja held discussions with the Under Secretary of the Ministry of Labour of Oman, Engineer Khalid Al-Ghammari, on strengthening labour cooperation. Discussions focused on expanding employment opportunities for skilled Sri Lankan professionals, expediting finalization of the pending bilateral labour arrangement, and establishing appropriate interim support mechanisms for Sri Lankan workers facing immigration or visa-related challenges until completion of relevant legal procedures or repatriation arrangements. Both sides reaffirmed their shared commitment to promoting safe, orderly and mutually beneficial labour mobility while safeguarding the welfare of Sri Lankan workers in Oman.

Secretary Aruni Ranaraja also met Ambassador Tufool Al Dhahab, Head of the Department of International Trade, Knowledge Economy and Technology at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Oman. Discussions focused on promoting partnerships between Sri Lankan technology start-ups and Omani companies, particularly in information technology and AI, reflecting the shared interest in advancing innovation-driven cooperation and strengthening knowledge economy linkages.

During the visit, Secretary Aruni Ranaraja delivered a special lecture at the Oman Diplomatic Academy on “Sri Lanka–Oman Relations: A Partnership for the Future,” at the invitation of the Omani Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The lecture was attended by senior officials of the Omani Ministry of Foreign Affairs and diplomatic cadets which was followed by an engaging exchange of views. Secretary Ranaraja also discussed opportunities for enhanced cooperation in diplomatic training and capacity building with the Head of the Academy, Ambassador Sheikh Humaid Al Maani.

As a part of her official programme in Muscat, Secretay Ranaraja also visited the Embassy of Sri Lanka where she addressed the staff. She took the opportunity to meet with the female Sri Lankan migrant workers sheltered at the safe house maintained by the Embassy and inquired about their welfare.

Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Oman Kapila De Alwis; Director General of the Middle East Division J.A.D.S.P. Wijegunasekara; Head of Chancery of the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Oman Maxwell Keegel; and Counsellor (Employment and Welfare) Hemantha Wijeratne associated Secretary Ranaraja with the meetings.

The visit, which took place in the context of the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations this year, reaffirmed the shared commitment between Sri Lanka and the Sultanate of Oman to elevating their longstanding friendship into a broader, dynamic and future-oriented strategic partnership.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment & Tourism
Colombo

4 August 2026