Sri Lankan reporter: Vietnam’s future orientation plays an integral role in global politics

Mr. Wijesekara Arachchige Dasun Udara Wijesekara takes a photo at the 14th National Party Congress. (Photo: Courtesy of the interviewee)

What impressed you most about the 14th National Party Congress, especially as this is your first visit to Vietnam?

For us, Vietnam is a symbol and a model of revolution. This impression became even stronger when I attended and reported on the Congress in person. The solemn, disciplined yet open atmosphere reflected the spirit and confidence of a nation entering a new era of development.

I came to Vietnam to see with my own eyes a country I had previously known only through books and the media. In reality, Vietnam is just as beautiful as I had heard and seen. From the first day, the guides and staff were very friendly, enthusiastic and thoughtful.

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The only difficulty for me was adapting to the climate, as the weather here is quite different from Sri Lanka. This, however, also helped me observe daily life more closely: the people, their clothing, lifestyle, cuisine, and culture. I was also very interested in learning more about Vietnam’s waste management system, media sector and tourism development.

From the perspective of a foreign journalist, what were the most outstanding features of the 14th National Party Congress?

All the contents of Party General Secretary To Lam’s speeches were very noteworthy, as they clearly showed Vietnam’s future orientation, which also has great significance for global politics.

In Sri Lanka, a new progressive government has been formed, with the JVP as a core force. Therefore, the direction set by the 14th Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam is also very important for us.

What impressed me most in the General Secretary’s speech was the emphasis on preparing for a new era, with new factors such as national defense, cybersecurity, international integration and digital transformation. The idea of a new growth model was strongly highlighted, and these are issues I am particularly interested in.

In addition, the large scale of the Congress, the professional organization and coordination, and the strong focus on communication all left a deep impression on me. The fireworks celebrating the success of the Congress were especially memorable. Together, these images created a comprehensive and unforgettable political picture.

Mr. Wijesekara working with Vietnamese media at the Congress. (Photo: Courtesy of the interviewee)

How did you find the working conditions in Vietnam in terms of access to information, facilities and media connections?

Everything was very convenient. Communication work was carefully prepared, with modern technical platforms and strong support for international journalists. Vietnamese media agencies and journalists were very open and willing to share materials, information and experience. Professional exchanges were smooth, with no communication barriers.

I would like to sincerely thank you for supporting us throughout our work and helping us broaden our understanding.

Finally, what message would you like to send to Sri Lankan readers about Vietnam after this trip?

I think Sri Lanka should learn from how Vietnam has achieved one of the world’s highest GDP growth rates. It is important to share with our people not only Vietnam’s economic achievements, but also the political foundations that have made this development possible.

From Vietnam’s experience, we need to build a development strategy suitable for our own conditions, based on the principles of Marxism-Leninism. Above all, I hope to convey to Sri Lankan readers the cultural and social values, as well as the hands-on experiences, that I observed during my time in Vietnam.

Thank you very much!

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