Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism, Vijitha Herath, visited Bremen, Germany, from 26–27 February 2026 to attend the 125th Anniversary of the AsiaPacific Business Association (OAV), Bremen Chapter, as Guest of Honour and Keynote Speaker. He was joined by Dr. Johann Wadephul, Germany’s Foreign Minister, for the event.

During his visit, Minister Herath held a bilateral meeting with Dr. Wadephul and chaired a business roundtable focused on Sri Lanka’s investment opportunities.

In his keynote address at Bremen’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed town hall, he highlighted Sri Lanka’s strategic regional position, expanding connectivity, free trade agreements, and a highly educated workforce as reasons why the country is an attractive destination for trade and investment. 

He emphasised Bremen’s expertise in ports and logistics, inviting the local business community to explore opportunities in these sectors.

On the sidelines, Herath discussed further strengthening bilateral relations, trade expansion, tourism growth, and cooperation within multilateral frameworks such as the UN and EU with his German counterpart. They also explored enhancing German language training to boost tourism, vocational education, and skilled employment.

At the business roundtable organized by OAV Bremen and the Bremen Chamber of Commerce (IHK Bremen), Herath highlighted Sri Lanka’s growing regional market access and connectivity, presenting the country as a strategic sourcing partner. Mangala Wijesinghe, Chairman of the Sri Lanka Export Development Board, showcased Sri Lanka’s export potential and invited participation in the upcoming Sri Lanka EXPO 2026.

During his visit, Minister Herath also met Bremen’s Mayor, Dr. Andreas Bovenschulte, to discuss sectors like automotive, trade, and logistics where Bremen has significant expertise.

He was accompanied by Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to Germany, Varuni Muthukumarana, along with officials from the Sri Lankan Embassy in Berlin, to strengthen economic and diplomatic ties.