Weerasinghe, in an interview granted to VOV, extended his congratulations to the CPV on the upcoming congress, describing it as a milestone of strategic importance for Vietnam’s future development.

Reviewing more than eight decades of Vietnam’s revolutionary path, the Sri Lankan party leader said the CPV has played a decisive role in national liberation, reunification and socialist construction. He noted that even before 1945, the Party had led the struggle against colonialism and imperialism, paving the way for the August Revolution and the founding of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam (now Socialist Republic of Vietnam).

Following independence, Vietnam endured three decades of protracted resistance wars under the CPV’s leadership, culminating in national reunification in 1975. Since the launch of the Đổi mới (Renewal) process in 1986, Weerasinghe said, Vietnam has achieved sustained economic growth, maintained political and social stability, and steadily enhanced its regional and global standing.

All of Vietnam’s major achievements over the past eight decades are inseparable from the leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam, he affirmed.

Commenting on Vietnam’s ambition to become a modern, industrialised economy by 2045 to mark the centenary of its independence, Weerasinghe said the goal was realistic given the country’s favourable conditions. Domestically, he highlighted political stability as a key advantage, alongside a solid economic foundation with a balanced structure of industry, agriculture and services.

Vietnam’s average GDP growth of over 6% in recent years provides a strong basis for its transition to high middle-income status by 2030 and further advancement by 2045, he said.

Internationally, Weerasinghe pointed to Asia’s emergence, particularly East Asia, as a dynamic global growth centre, creating opportunities for Vietnam through deeper integration and mutually beneficial partnerships. At the same time, he cautioned that global uncertainties require proactive engagement to help preserve a stable and peaceful environment for development.

Marking the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Sri Lanka, Weerasinghe said bilateral ties are entering a favourable phase. He underscored shared historical links, people-to-people exchanges and cultural and religious affinities, especially Buddhism, as important foundations for closer cooperation.

He called for stronger economic, trade and investment ties, describing them as areas of tangible benefit for both countries. Politically, he noted that parties across Sri Lanka’s political spectrum are studying Vietnam’s development experience, reflecting broad interest in and respect for the Vietnamese model.

Weerasinghe also welcomed the recent increase in high-level exchanges between the two communist parties, saying they have fostered substantive and in-depth discussions. Recalling his most recent visit to Vietnam, he said he was impressed by the country’s dynamic urban development as well as its rich history and culture, reaffirming his party’s commitment to further strengthening traditional friendship and cooperation between the two sides.

Sri Lanka, Vietnam expand cooperation in priority and potential fields

VOV.VN - Vietnamese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Trinh Thi Tam met Sri Lankan Environment Minister Dammika Patabendi, who also serves as Chair of the Sri Lanka–Vietnam Parliamentary Friendship Group, in Colombo on November 25 to discuss ways to advance bilateral ties, parliamentary cooperation and people-to-people exchange.