Sri Lanka commenced initiatives to further enhance collaboration with the region of Penang in Malaysia with Sri Lanka’s Envoy High Commissioner Dharshana M Perera exchanging views with Tun Dato’ Seri Utama Haji Ramli bin Ngah Talib Yang Di-pertua Negeri and Tuan Chow Kon Yeow, Chief Minister of Penang on Tuesday 28 July 2026 in the historic City of Penang. He invited Penang to be part of further enhancing Sri Lanka’s near seven-decade old relationship with Malaysia.

While commending the tremendous multifaceted development and progress of Penang, High Commissioner shared how Sri Lanka has recalibrated its future direction through focused policy implementation in the sphere of governance, economic policy orientation and social stability which has already seen concrete results in the last two years. 

During the meeting with the Governor at the Anjung Seri Mutiara 2, Seri Mutiara - the Official Residence of the Governor - a multifaceted approach to enhance Sri Lanka‘s engagement with the region of Penang was considered focusing on intensified leadership engagement between Penang and Sri Lanka as well as the economic and cultural spheres. The Governor shared his positive views towards this approach highlighting Penang’s key achievements in IT, electronics, innovation, technology, education sectors as well as shipping and logistics. The Governor encouraged engagement with institutions in Penang to undertake initiatives for mutual benefit. An insightful discussion also ensued on the historical connections within the region dating back to ancient times and the Governor’s previous engagement with Sri Lanka.

Discussions with the Chief Minister of Penang considered the current bilateral economic trends and focused on the possible initiatives to harness the untapped potential which exists. High Commissioner highlighted the opportunities offered by Sri Lanka for Malaysian partnership in the investment spheres through the currently designed Ready to Invest proposals in sectors such as Manufacturing, Tourism, IT, Shipping & Logistics, Energy and others. He also highlighted the opportunities for Malaysian companies through manufacturing in Sri Lanka to gain market access to several economies around the world.  As a way forward, collaborative initiatives will be undertaken for closer collaboration with the active partnership of the Business Chambers and involvement of Government institutions of Sri Lanka and Penang. 

During his visit to Penang, High Commissioner Dharshana M. Perera also engaged in discussions with the PENANGPORT - a member of the MMC Group - on collaboration in the Shipping and logistics sector with Sri Lanka. CEO Dato' Sasedharan Vasudevan led the discussion for PENANGPORT supported by Ares Salim, HOD, Stakeholders. 

Concluding the visit to Penang, Sri Lanka‘s Envoy had an audience with Ven. Suriyawewa Dhammawansha Thero, Chief Priest of the Mahindarama Buddhist Temple in Penang which is one of the oldest Theravada Buddhist Temples in Malaysia. 

Sri Lanka High Commission
Kuala Lumpur

30 July 2026