SCO Secretary-General meets with Members of the Government of Sri Lanka

On May 20, 2026, in Colombo, Sri Lanka, during his official visit to the country Secretary-General of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Nurlan Yermekbayev met with members of the Government of Sri Lanka.

SCO Secretary-General meets with Members of the Government of Sri Lanka

During the talks with the Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation, Anura Karunathilake, the Secretary-General informed him about such SCO mechanisms as the Meeting of Ministers of Transport and the Meeting of Heads of Ports and Logistics Centres. The Minister expressed interest in participating in the work of these mechanisms. It was noted that the SCO considers Sri Lanka as a natural partner in promoting transport connectivity and strengthening Eurasian supply chains.

SCO Secretary-General meets with Members of the Government of Sri Lanka

During a conversation with the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land, and Irrigation, K.D. Lalkantha, and the heads of relevant departments, the Sri Lankan side showed interest in receiving technological and investment support from SCO member states, as well as in training personnel in advanced agricultural practices. The Secretary-General outlined the priority areas for SCO member states: food security, sustainable agriculture, and the introduction of modern agrotechnologies. He stated that the Secretariat could facilitate the exchange of best practices in these areas.

SCO Secretary-General meets with Members of the Government of Sri Lanka

In a conversation with the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Rawan Ranasinghe, and the Chairman of the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, Buddhika Hewawasam, the Secretary-General announced plans to enhance cooperation in the tourism sector and hold relevant events.

The Secretary-General informed the government members about the SCO's task of more actively engaging Dialogue Partners in the Organisation's work. In this regard, transport and logistics, tourism, and agriculture are seen as particularly promising and feasible areas.

SCO Secretary-General meets with Members of the Government of Sri Lanka

During the visit the Secretary-General observed the operations of the Colombo Port control tower and toured the newly opened free trade zone, Colombo City Port.

SCO Secretary-General meets with Members of the Government of Sri Lanka