Relations between Sri Lanka and Egypt date back to many centuries. The Egyptian people still remember and appreciate Sri Lankan people’s warm hospitality to Ahmad Orabi Pasha, Egyptian freedom fighter deported to Sri Lanka from 1883 to 1901 by the British colonial rulers. This fact is strongly reflected in the bi-lateral relations. The ‘Orabi Pasha Museum’ was opened in Kandy in November, 1983, and a main Street at Maradana in capital city, Colombo was named after ‘Orabi Pasha’ in 1986.
Sri Lanka’s independence from British rulers on 4th February, 1948 and Egypt’s revolution in July 1952 paved the way for further strengthening bi-lateral relations. Formalizing diplomatic relations, the two countries established their diplomatic Missions in respective capitals, Colombo and Cairo in 1957. Embassy established on the Street known as Yehiya Ibrahim. This street has been renamed as Sri Lanka Street in 1983. Egypt was the first Arab and African country to open an Embassy in Sri Lanka. Both countries celebrated the 60th Anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations in 2017.
The Egyptian-Sri Lankan ties flourished in the 1950s and 1960s, as the two countries played a key role in the Non-Aligned Movement. Closer bi-lateral relations opened many trade opportunities for Sri Lankan products including ‘Ceylon Tea’. Because of its appeal to Egyptian people, ‘Ceylon Tea’ has become a household name among them.
