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Malaysia–Sri Lanka relations

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Malaysia–Sri Lanka relations
Map indicating locations of Malaysia and Sri Lanka

Malaysia
Sri Lanka

Malaysia–Sri Lanka relations refers to the bilateral foreign relations between Malaysia and Sri Lanka. Malaysia has a high commission in Colombo,[1] and Sri Lanka has a high commission in Kuala Lumpur.[2] Both countries are members of the Commonwealth of Nations and the Group of 77.

History

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High Commission of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Sri Lanka Buddhist Temple (from Lorong Timur), Sentul, Kuala Lumpur

Trade relations between Sri Lanka and the Malay Peninsula date back to the first millennium. There was also warfare and conquest during the Chola dynasty. In the mid-13th century, the Malayan ruler Chandrabhanu Sridhamaraja of Tambralinga invaded Sri Lanka.

In modern times, current diplomatic relations have been established since 1957. Historically Malaysia has been a staunch supporter of Sri Lanka's inclusion into ASEAN, with then Prime Minister Tunku Abdul Rahman inviting delegates to Bangkok to sign the Bangkok Declaration as founding members of ASEAN. Though this was blocked by Singapore.[3]: 46–47  President Chandrika Kumaratunga made a state visit in 1997, and several memoranda of understanding (MoUs) were signed during the meeting.[4]

In December 2016, President Maithripala Sirisena made a 3-day state visit to Malaysia to improve relations between the two countries.[5] Several MoUs have been signed during the meeting with Prime Minister Najib Razak.

Economic relations

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Malaysia is one of the major trade partners of Sri Lanka,[6] and among the leading investors in the country, trade relations are expected to reach U$1 billion in 2015.[7][8] In 2011, trade between the two countries reached U$814 million, with exports from Malaysia amounting to U$644 million and imports accounting for U$169 million.[9] A joint commission also focused on some issues for both sides, especially economic and commercial matters, technical and scientific cooperation and areas such as tourism, culture, sports, immigration, and human resources development.[10] In 2018, Malaysia called for a free trade agreement (FTA) to be signed with Sri Lanka.[11]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Official Website of High Commission of Malaysia, Colombo". Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia. Retrieved 27 January 2014.
  2. ^ "Sri Lanka High Commission, Kuala Lumpur". High Commission of Sri Lanka in Malaysia. Archived from the original on 26 January 2014. Retrieved 27 January 2014.
  3. ^ Severino, Rodolfo C. (2006). Southeast Asia in Search of an ASEAN Community. Books and Monographs. ISEAS–Yusof Ishak Institute. ISBN 978-981-230-389-9.
  4. ^ "Sri Lanka - Malaysia Relations". High Commission of Sri Lanka in Malaysia. Archived from the original on 13 February 2014. Retrieved 27 January 2014.
  5. ^ "President Sirisena Leaves For Malaysia". Asianmirror.lk. 15 December 2016. Retrieved 16 December 2016.
  6. ^ "Sri Lanka Major Trade Partners". Bridgat. Retrieved 27 January 2014.
  7. ^ "Malaysia has emerged the biggest investor in Sri Lanka". News.lk. 26 June 2012. Archived from the original on 1 February 2014. Retrieved 27 January 2014.
  8. ^ "Trade between Sri Lanka and Malaysia to reach US$1 billion by 2015". Asia News Network. 19 July 2013. Archived from the original on 3 February 2014. Retrieved 27 January 2014.
  9. ^ "Malaysia -Sri Lanka business Council to be set-up". Sunday Observer. 8 July 2012. Archived from the original on 14 July 2012. Retrieved 27 January 2014.
  10. ^ "Sri Lanka - Malaysia bilateral ties strengthened". Ministry of External Affairs Sri Lanka. 23 June 2006. Archived from the original on 21 February 2014. Retrieved 27 January 2014.
  11. ^ "Malaysia calls for Sri Lanka FTA". Daily Mirror Sri Lanka. 31 July 2018. Retrieved 1 August 2018.
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