Sri Lanka and the Sultanate of Oman have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations, with both countries identifying new opportunities for cooperation in trade, investment, digital transformation, artificial intelligence (AI), connectivity and human capital development.

The commitment was highlighted during the Fourth Round of Bilateral Consultations between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of Sri Lanka and Oman, held in Muscat on August 3, 2026.

The Sri Lankan delegation was led by Secretary to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Aruni Ranaraja, while the Omani delegation was headed by Under Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Khalifa bin Ali bin Issa Al Harthy.

The consultations provided an opportunity for both sides to review progress in bilateral relations and explore new areas of economic and strategic cooperation.

Focus on Trade and Investment

A key area of discussion was the advancement of negotiations on a Special Trading Arrangement, which is expected to create greater opportunities for bilateral trade, investment and private-sector partnerships.

Both countries emphasized the importance of expanding economic cooperation beyond traditional sectors and strengthening business-to-business connections to encourage greater private-sector participation.

Sri Lanka also expressed interest in Oman’s progress in digital transformation, particularly its experience in digitising public services and using artificial intelligence to improve efficiency, transparency and innovation.

Recognising the growing importance of the digital economy, the two sides agreed to explore the exchange of expertise, best practices and innovative solutions in areas including digital governance, AI applications and technology-driven entrepreneurship.

Strengthening Connectivity

Connectivity was another important area of discussion, with Sri Lanka and Oman highlighting the potential to establish stronger direct maritime and air cargo links.

Oman’s strategic position as a regional maritime, logistics and transshipment hub was recognised as an important opportunity for improving trade connectivity and strengthening economic engagement between the two countries.

As founding members of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), Sri Lanka and Oman also reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing maritime cooperation and supporting a secure, stable and prosperous Indian Ocean region.

Expanding Cooperation Across Key Sectors

The consultations also covered potential cooperation in agriculture, fisheries, tourism, higher education, technical and vocational training and investment.

Both countries explored opportunities that align with Oman Vision 2040 and Sri Lanka’s economic transformation priorities, while stressing the importance of creating a favourable environment for investment and stronger private-sector engagement.

The contribution of Sri Lankan nationals living and working in Oman was also highlighted. Approximately 28,000 Sri Lankans currently reside and work in the country.

Secretary Ranaraja expressed appreciation for Oman’s continued support for the Sri Lankan community and recognised the contribution of Sri Lankan workers to Oman’s economic development. The Omani side, in turn, commended the professionalism, skills and positive contribution of the Sri Lankan workforce.

Focus on Labour Cooperation

During her visit, Secretary Ranaraja also held discussions with Oman’s Under Secretary of the Ministry of Labour, Engineer Khalid Al-Ghammari, focusing on strengthening bilateral labour cooperation.

The discussions included expanding employment opportunities for skilled Sri Lankan professionals, expediting the finalisation of a pending bilateral labour arrangement and establishing interim support mechanisms for Sri Lankan workers facing immigration or visa-related difficulties.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to promoting safe, orderly and mutually beneficial labour mobility, while ensuring the welfare and protection of Sri Lankan workers in Oman.

Opportunities in Technology and AI

Further discussions were held with Ambassador Tufool Al Dhahab, Head of the Department of International Trade, Knowledge Economy and Technology at Oman’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The discussions focused on creating partnerships between Sri Lankan technology start-ups and Omani companies, particularly in information technology and artificial intelligence.

The initiative reflects the growing interest of both countries in developing innovation-driven partnerships and strengthening links between their respective knowledge economies.

Diplomatic and Human Capital Cooperation

As part of the official programme, Secretary Ranaraja delivered a special lecture at the Oman Diplomatic Academy titled “Sri Lanka–Oman Relations: A Partnership for the Future.”

The lecture was attended by senior officials from Oman’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and diplomatic cadets, followed by an exchange of views on the future of bilateral relations.

Discussions were also held with the Head of the Academy, Ambassador Sheikh Humaid Al Maani, on opportunities to enhance cooperation in diplomatic training and capacity building.

During her visit to the Sri Lankan Embassy in Muscat, Secretary Ranaraja also met with female Sri Lankan migrant workers staying at the Embassy’s safe house and inquired about their welfare.

Looking Ahead

The consultations concluded with both countries agreeing to maintain regular high-level engagement and hold the Fifth Round of Bilateral Consultations in Colombo.

The visit comes as Sri Lanka and Oman mark the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations in 2026.

The latest discussions underline the shared intention of both countries to transform their longstanding relationship into a broader, dynamic and future-oriented strategic partnership, with greater emphasis on trade, investment, technology, connectivity, labour cooperation and human capital development.