The meeting provided a valuable opportunity to review the state of bilateral relations and to explore avenues for strengthening cooperation across multiple sectors. Both sides engaged in constructive discussions on bilateral, regional and multilateral issues of mutual interest including in the areas of trade, investment, labour, defence, security, agriculture, fisheries, culture, education and political and diplomatic exchanges.
Priority was given to agriculture, with a special focus on the coconut and plantation industries, alongside collaboration in technology transfer, irrigation, food security, and rice research. Fisheries and aquaculture were also identified as areas for deeper engagement, with Sri Lanka welcoming the opportunity to learn from the Philippines’ advanced expertise, particularly in ‘milkfish’ breeding technology. “The Philippines’ leadership in this sector is truly remarkable,” commented Dr. Chanaka Thalpahewa, Ambassador to the Philippines, “and we are keen to share our knowledge and expertise to address shared challenges.”
Both sides also emphasized the importance of labour sector cooperation, with Sri Lanka recognizing the Philippines’ global leadership in migration governance. Discussions highlighted the need for the early conclusion of the draft MoU on Labour Cooperation, as well as knowledge sharing on pre-departure preparation, regulated recruitment and deployment and welfare of migrant workers. Opportunities to expand collaboration in education and technical training were also welcomed, especially through partnerships with the Philippines’ Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA). “Our engagement with TESDA is proving particularly fruitful in bolstering our workforce skills,” noted a senior official involved in the consultations.
Significant attention was also paid to bolstering trade and investment cooperation, with collaboration planned between the Export Development Board of Sri Lanka and the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM) of the Philippines. “CITEM’s expertise in facilitating international trade is invaluable to our efforts,” stated a representative from the Export Development Board.
It was agreed to celebrate the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2026 with several initiatives, including the issuance of commemorative joint postage stamps, a concert by the world-renowned Filipino soprano duo The Nightingales and Mr. Bry Cimafranca in Colombo, a film festival and Filipino Culinary night in Colombo.
The consultations were co-chaired by the Additional Secretary/Bilateral Political Affairs-East of the Philippines delegation included Ambassador Nina P. Cainglet, Maria Sheila U Monedoro-Arnesto, Director, Office of Asian and Pacific Affairs, Jay Francis G Alcantara, Special Assistant, Office of the Undersecretary for Policy and Bojer B. Captai, Assistant Director, Office of Asian and Pacific Affairs. The Sri Lankan delegation included Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to the Philippines, Dr.Chanaka Thalpahewa, Director General, Southeast & Central Asia from the
The next round of Political Consultations is expected to be held in Manila in 2026.