Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB), Governor’s Secretariat and the Eastern Provincial Authorities organized a special tourism excursion to the Eastern province for the Heads of Mission based in Colombo from 18-20 September 2026.
Approximately 20 Heads of Missions representing countries across the globe participated in this excursion to Pasikudah and Trincomalee. During the tour, participants visited the Eravur Export Processing Zone, which is a Special Textile Manufacturing Zone operating under the Board of Investment and the Seruwila historic Buddhist temple.
In Trincomalee, the foreign dignitaries were facilitated to visit the historic Koneswaram Hindu Temple prior to further engagement on potential trade and investment opportunities unique to the Eastern Province. An Investment Forum focusing on development projects in the Eastern Province was held, featuring presentations by the Chairmen of the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority and the Board of Investment, highlighting investment opportunities in the tourism, mineral and industrial sectors. Thereafter, diplomats enjoyed a boat tour to the Trincomalee harbor organized by the Eastern Command of the Sri Lanka Navy, and a visit to the Naval Museum.
The Heads of Mission were also treated to a selection of delicacies unique to the Eastern Province, offering them an opportunity to experience the region’s rich and diverse culinary heritage during their visits to Pasikuda and Trincomalee. A vibrant and colorful cultural performance was offered by the Portuguese Burgher Community in Batticaloa, while handicrafts solely produced by the Small and Medium Entrepreneurs of the East were displayed at the venue.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Vijitha Herath thanked the Heads of Mission for participating, noting that such interactions strengthen personal bonds beyond traditional diplomatic engagements. He emphasized that the visit of international representatives to the Eastern Province exemplified the Government’s steadfast commitment to extending economic benefits of tourism and international engagement to all communities in Sri Lanka.
Prof. Jayantha Lal Ratnasekera, Governor of the Eastern Province, highlighted the province’s strategic and economic potential and its unique cultural identity, shaped by its ancient links with East and West Asia. Among the other dignitaries who addressed the diplomats were the Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment, Arun Hemachandra and the Deputy Minister for Tourism, Prof. Ruwan Ranasinghe as well as, Secretary/Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, Mrs. Aruni Ranaraja.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment & Tourism
Colombo
24 September 2026