Vietnam’s leading low-cost airline, VietJet, has launched its inaugural direct flight service connecting Colombo and Ho Chi Minh City, marking a significant milestone in strengthening air connectivity between Sri Lanka and Vietnam.
The new route, which commenced operations on July 18, is expected to create greater opportunities for tourism, trade and investment while improving travel convenience for both leisure and business passengers between the two countries.
Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Minister Vijitha Herath welcomed VietJet’s entry into the Sri Lankan aviation market, expressing confidence in the airline’s operations and highlighting the importance of the new service in expanding bilateral cooperation.
The Minister noted that the launch of the direct route was a key outcome of discussions between the Heads of State of Sri Lanka and Vietnam during bilateral engagements held last year.
Highlighting the potential impact on tourism, Minister Herath said the new flight connection would support increased visitor arrivals from both countries. Sri Lanka and Vietnam are also working together to introduce new travel packages focusing on religious tourism, cultural experiences, health tourism and adventure tourism.
The initiative is expected to further strengthen the historical religious and cultural connections between the two nations while creating fresh opportunities for tourism industry stakeholders.
VietJet will operate three weekly flights between Colombo and Ho Chi Minh City every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, providing travellers with a convenient new link between Sri Lanka and Vietnam.
Swedish Trade Delegation to Participate in Sri Lanka Expo 2027
The Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) has confirmed that a Swedish trade delegation will participate in Sri Lanka Expo 2027, further strengthening trade and investment opportunities between Sri Lanka and Sweden.
The announcement was made during an official meeting between Jan Thesleff, Ambassador of Sweden to Sri Lanka, and Mangala Wijesinghe, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the EDB, held at the EDB premises on July 14, 2026. Senior EDB officials and Sanjay Kulatunga, Honorary Consul-General of Sweden in Sri Lanka, also participated in the discussions.
During the meeting, Wijesinghe highlighted Sri Lanka’s export performance, key growth sectors and emerging opportunities for expanding trade relations with the Nordic region. Special focus was placed on Sri Lanka Expo 2027, scheduled to be held from January 14–17, 2027 in Colombo, which aims to connect international buyers with Sri Lankan exporters.
Ambassador Thesleff expressed Sweden’s continued support for Sri Lanka’s export promotion initiatives and confirmed plans to bring a Swedish trade delegation to the upcoming exhibition. Preparations are already underway to facilitate the participation of Swedish buyers and investors at the event.
The Ambassador recognised Sri Lanka’s growing reputation for producing high-quality and sustainable products that have strong potential in European and Nordic markets.
The discussions also highlighted export opportunities across several key sectors, including Ceylon Cinnamon, coconut and coconut-based products, gems and jewellery, apparel, and information and communication technology (ICT).
Ambassador Thesleff praised the quality standards maintained by Sri Lankan exporters and noted the increasing market potential for Sri Lankan products and services in Sweden and across the Nordic region.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing trade and investment cooperation while creating stronger economic partnerships between Sri Lanka and Nordic countries through initiatives such as Sri Lanka Expo 2027.
VietJet Launches Direct Flights Connecting Colombo and Ho Chi Minh City
