### 🇵🇹 Sri Lanka and Portugal to Bolster Economic and Bilateral Ties

The Portuguese Minister of State and Foreign Affairs, Paulo Rangel, concluded a high-level working visit to Colombo on February 24, 2026, aimed at transitioning long-standing historical ties into a modern economic partnership. • Key Diplomatic Engagements: Minister Rangel met with Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath and Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya to discuss expanding cooperation beyond cultural heritage. • Economic & Sectoral Focus: The bilateral talks centered on several key pillars for national growth: Trade & Investment: Commitments were made to enhance economic collaboration through regular consultations. Tourism: Identified as a priority area for growth leveraging shared cultural history. Infrastructure & Heritage: The visit included a tour of the Colombo Port, signaling interest in logistics, alongside visits to major religious and cultural landmarks. • Future Outlook: Both nations affirmed a commitment to collaboration in multilateral fora and contemporary global issues. The visit is expected to act as a catalyst for increased foreign involvement in Sri Lanka’s Tourism and Trade sectors.