Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation and Minister of Energy Anura Karunathilaka has been elected President of the Sri Lanka–Kazakhstan Parliamentary Friendship Association for the Tenth Parliament.
The inaugural meeting of the Association was held yesterday (05) at the Parliament of Sri Lanka under the patronage of Speaker Dr Jagath Wickramaratne. Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan to Sri Lanka, Sergey Viktorov, attended the occasion as the Guest of Honour. Secretary-General of Parliament Kushani Rohanadeera was also present.
At the meeting, Member of Parliament Ajith P. Perera was elected Secretary of the Association, while Members of Parliament Kaveenthiran Kodeeswaran, G.G. Ponnambalam and President’s Counsel M. Nizam Kariapper were elected Vice Presidents. Member of Parliament Sunil Rajapaksha was elected Treasurer.
Addressing the gathering, Speaker Dr Jagath Wickramaratne highlighted the longstanding friendship between Sri Lanka and Kazakhstan, which dates back to the establishment of diplomatic relations on June 29, 1992.
He described the opening of Kazakhstan’s first resident Embassy in Colombo in July 2025 as a significant milestone in bilateral relations and noted that the establishment of the Parliamentary Friendship Association would further strengthen parliamentary diplomacy and cooperation between the two countries.
The Speaker also highlighted opportunities to expand bilateral cooperation in key sectors, including trade, investment, tourism, renewable energy, agriculture and information technology. He emphasised the importance of strengthening educational ties, higher education and people-to-people exchanges, expressing confidence that the Association would provide a valuable platform for parliamentarians to share experiences and promote mutual understanding.
Addressing the meeting, Ambassador Sergey Viktorov briefed participants on Kazakhstan’s recently introduced parliamentary system, which operates under a unicameral legislature.
He stressed the importance of parliamentary engagement in strengthening institutional relations and promoting closer cooperation between the two countries. He also highlighted opportunities to expand bilateral ties in energy, transport, education and tourism for the mutual benefit of both nations.
Newly elected President of the Association, Minister Anura Karunathilaka, noted that despite the geographical distance between the two countries, Sri Lanka and Kazakhstan shared common interests in promoting peace, development and international cooperation.
He acknowledged Kazakhstan’s support for Sri Lanka at international forums and highlighted the potential to further strengthen bilateral relations through increased cooperation in trade, investment, education, tourism and cultural exchanges.
The Minister further emphasised that the Association should serve as a platform for meaningful dialogue and practical cooperation beyond formal parliamentary engagements, urging all members to work collectively towards building a stronger and lasting partnership between the two countries.
Delivering the vote of thanks, newly elected Secretary Ajith P. Perera expressed his appreciation to all those who contributed to the establishment and revival of the Association.
He also pledged to work with all members towards achieving the Association’s objectives, highlighting opportunities to strengthen cooperation in trade, economic development, political relations and culture, while appreciating Kazakhstan’s continued friendship and support for Sri Lanka.
