Sri Lanka
Diplomatic relations between the Republic of Austria and the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka have been established on 23 April 1954.
In reaction to the Tsunami disaster which hit Sri Lanka on 26 December 2004, the Austrian Government together with the Federal States of Austria and the Cities and Communities of Austria pledged € 28 million for humanitarian and reconstruction aid to Sri Lanka. The Austrian civil society also reacted with impressive solidarity. The amount of private donations for different humanitarian and reconstruction projects in the whole South Asian region affected by the tidal wave reached € 54 million.
By setting up Economic Partnerships, the Austrian Development Cooperation helps local enterprises in particularly isolated areas on the island to manufacture and promote their products. Furthermore, it contributes to the economic empowerment of Sri Lankan women by supporting women initiatives in the business sector.
Austria successfully cooperates with Sri Lanka also in the fields of science and education: Sri-Lankan students receive scholar ships to pursue courses in areas such as tourism management.
The Austrian Honorary Consulate in Colombo looks after Austria’s consular interests in Sri Lanka. It acts under the overall direction of the Austrian Embassy in New Delhi, whose Ambassador is also accredited to Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka opened an Embassy in Vienna in 1995. Additionally, Sri Lanka maintains an Honorary Consulate in Graz.
