After the inauguration of the Uma Oya Dam and Power Plant, one of Iran’s technical-engineering service export mega-projects, by the late President Raisi in May 2024, the 63-year relationship between the two countries entered a new phase.

Shortly after the Sri Lankan presidential election on September 21, it was a good opportunity for GPTT and Pathfinder Foundation that have a cooperation memorandum to examine the various aspects of the relations between the two countries and the way ahead with the presence of governmental and non-governmental experts. The discussion delved into the historical ties, current cooperation, and future possibilities for Iran and Sri Lanka, particularly in the area of economic diplomacy. Recognizing the economic capacities of the two sides beyond the traditional tea trade and the energy sector requires multiple activities of the chambers of commerce of the two countries. In addition to these, security experts from both sides also pointed out the areas of cooperation in providing maritime security.

In this meeting, ambassadors and officials as well as university professors pointed out that despite the existence of minimal knowledge among the public, political relations are at the highest level, and concluded that the expansion of public diplomacy requires facilitation in the field of tourism. Also, the continuation of these talks can bring the views of the intellectuals of the two countries closer together than in the past.