Anura Karunathilaka elected president of Sri Lanka–Kazakhstan Parliamentary Friendship Association

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 Association’s inaugural meeting 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 as Guest of Honour. Secretary-General of Parliament Kushani Rohanadeera was also present.

Member of Parliament Ajith P. Perera was elected Secretary. 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.

The Speaker spoke of the longstanding friendship between Sri Lanka and Kazakhstan, tracing it 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 said the Parliamentary Friendship Association would further strengthen parliamentary diplomacy and cooperation between the two countries. He also pointed to opportunities to expand bilateral cooperation in 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.

Ambassador 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.

As newly elected President of the Association, Minister 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. He 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 Perera expressed appreciation to all those who contributed to the establishment and revival of the Association. He 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.