Belarus and Sri Lanka Strengthen Cooperation in Higher Education

Minsk, May 14, 2026 – Minister of Education of Belarus, Andrei Ivanets, met with Wijitha Herath, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka.

Education as a Flagship of Bilateral Cooperation
The meeting highlighted the following key achievements:

• 2,659 Sri Lankan students are currently pursuing degrees in Belarusian higher education institutions.
• One in five doctors in Sri Lanka is a graduate of a Belarusian university.
• A Memorandum of Understanding between the two countries' Ministries of Education was signed, paving the way for deeper cooperation in higher education.

New Opportunities for Partnership
Since October 2025, Belavia has launched charter flights to Mattala Airport in Sri Lanka. In addition, a new Air Services Agreement was signed – a concrete step toward regular flights and stronger business and educational contacts.

Expanding Beyond Education
The meeting was also attended by representatives of the Ministries of Transport and Communications, Industry, and Agriculture. The parties agreed to broaden their cooperation beyond education, exploring areas such as potash fertilizer trade and joint scientific research.