Sri Lanka and Indonesia have moved their proposed visa exemption agreement for diplomatic and official passport holders into its final stages, the Foreign Ministry confirmed in a readout on the visit of Indonesian Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Muhammad Anis Matta to Colombo from April 23–25.
A separate Memorandum of Understanding on Bilateral Political Consultations is also in its final stages. Both sides expressed hope for the early conclusion of the two agreements alongside a Joint Commission meeting.
The two countries agreed to elevate their relationship to a strategic partnership through high-level exchanges and regular political consultations, the Ministry said. The 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties falls in 2027, and both governments view that milestone as a target for upgraded engagement.
Vice Minister Matta met Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath, Deputy Foreign Minister Arun Hemachandra and Buddhasasana Minister Hiniduma Sunil Senevi during the visit. The talks emphasised expanding trade volumes, people-to-people connectivity, maritime cooperation and cultural exchange. The Indonesian Ambassador to Sri Lanka and senior officials of both foreign ministries attended.
Matta’s bilateral talks with the Foreign Ministry leadership on April 25 set the stage for the agreement track now described as nearly final.
