Sri Lanka has officially opened its first Consular Office in the Philippines, marking a significant milestone in strengthening bilateral ties and expanding access to consular services.
The office was inaugurated in Davao City on July 25 by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Vijitha Herath.
According to the Minister, the opening of the Consular Office is a practical step towards improving consular services while symbolising the long-standing friendship between Sri Lanka and the Philippines.
The inauguration forms part of the celebrations marking the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
Minister Herath said Sri Lanka aims to further enhance cooperation with the Philippines in trade, tourism, investment, education and culture, while strengthening people-to-people ties.
Davao City was selected as the location of the new office to improve access to consular services for Sri Lankans living in the Mindanao region, as well as Filipino nationals. Previously, many people had to travel to Manila to obtain consular services. The new office is expected to reduce both travel time and costs.
In addition to providing selected consular services, the office is expected to serve as a coordination hub for promoting trade, investment, tourism, educational exchanges, cultural cooperation and broader people-to-people links between Sri Lanka and Mindanao.
Equipped with modern facilities, the Consular Office is designed to provide efficient, accessible and people-friendly services, while supporting stronger bilateral cooperation in the years ahead.
Among those present at the inauguration were Sri Lanka's Ambassador to the Philippines, Dr. Chanaka Talpahewa, Consular Officer Chathuri Kalpana, Sri Lanka's Consul in Mindanao William Chen, Philippine Member of Parliament Harold Duterte, members of the Davao City Council, and several national and local government officials.
