Sri Lanka Opens Diplomatic Channel with Venezuela After Maduro Capture

Sri Lanka’s Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath spoke by telephone on Friday with Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yván Gil Pinto, marking the first known direct engagement between the two governments since the reported capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro by U.S. forces.

While official statements did not disclose specifics of the discussion, the call took place amid ongoing global concern over the situation in Venezuela following the U.S. military intervention in early January. Maduro’s detention has sparked sharp debate internationally, with various governments calling for respect for national sovereignty and international law.

Sri Lanka has previously voiced its concern over events in Venezuela. Foreign Minister Herath described the detention of a sitting head of state as inconsistent with international norms and urged for a peaceful resolution that upholds the principles of the United Nations Charter and the sovereignty of all nations.

According to official sources, the recent phone call also touched on matters of mutual interest and the potential for strengthening bilateral cooperation between Sri Lanka and Venezuela.