Sri Lanka’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, Vijitha Herath, held a telephone conversation on 23 January with Venezuelan Minister of Foreign Affairs Yván Gil Pinto, the minister said in a post on X (formerly Twitter).

The post did not provide details on the specific issues discussed during the call. The diplomatic engagement comes against the backdrop of significant developments in Venezuela, including reports of military operations and political instability that have drawn international concern.

Earlier in January, Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed deep concern over the evolving situation in Venezuela and said it was closely monitoring developments. According to the ministry’s statement, Sri Lanka affirmed its commitment to the principles of international law and the United Nations Charter, including the prohibition on the use of force, non-intervention, the peaceful settlement of disputes, and respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states.

The ministry’s statement emphasised Sri Lanka’s focus on the safety and well-being of the Venezuelan people and regional stability, calling on all parties to prioritise peaceful resolution through dialogue and de-escalation. It further noted the importance of the United Nations and its organs, including the UN Security Council, being seized of the matter and working toward a resolution that upholds the safety, well-being and sovereign rights of the Venezuelan people.