Sri Lanka and Türkiye have signed a new agreement to strengthen agricultural cooperation, adding to a broader relationship that has included military exchanges, naval engagements and discussions on defence technology.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed in Ankara on Tuesday (27 October) during a meeting between Sri Lanka’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment, Arun Hemachandra, and Türkiye’s Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, Dr Ahmet Bağcı.
The agreement provides a framework for cooperation in agricultural research, modern farming technologies, knowledge exchange and capacity building. Discussions also covered improving agricultural productivity, supporting farmers, promoting sustainable farming practices and strengthening food security in both countries.
The two sides also explored opportunities for collaboration between their agricultural institutions, although specific projects and implementation measures were not detailed in the announcement.
The agreement comes amid wider engagement between the two countries in defence and military affairs.
In July and August 2026, a 20-member delegation from Sri Lanka’s Defence Services Command and Staff College visited Türkiye as part of an international military study programme. The delegation visited military headquarters, defence education institutions and defence industries in Istanbul and Ankara, gaining exposure to Türkiye’s military capabilities and defence technologies.
Sri Lanka and Türkiye have also discussed potential cooperation in military technology. In January 2026, Türkiye offered to sell drones to Sri Lanka, with maritime surveillance identified as a possible application. In July, the Turkish ambassador said a technical team was expected to visit Sri Lanka to demonstrate the systems. The discussions indicated a potential procurement opportunity, but did not confirm that a purchase had been finalised.
Naval engagements have also formed part of bilateral relations. The Turkish Navy's TCG Kınalıada visited Sri Lanka in July 2024, followed by TCG Büyükada in June 2025. The latter visit included discussions between Sri Lankan defence officials and Turkish representatives on strengthening defence relations.
Earlier engagements included a meeting in Istanbul in August 2021 between Sri Lanka’s then Defence Secretary, General Kamal Gunaratne, and Türkiye’s then Defence Minister, Hulusi Akar, during the International Defence Industry Fair. The discussions explored opportunities to expand defence cooperation.
In February 2023, Türkiye’s defence attaché also met Sri Lanka’s Defence Secretary to discuss bilateral relations and possible areas for further defence engagement.
Cooperation has extended to defence education and aerospace technology. In January 2024, Sri Lanka’s Cabinet approved a proposal for a memorandum of understanding between the General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University and Turkish Aerospace Industries. The proposed arrangement focused on human resource development and opportunities for Sri Lankan students to participate in an international internship programme.
The agricultural agreement marks another area of engagement between the two countries.
Deputy Minister Hemachandra expressed appreciation for Türkiye’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation in agriculture.
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