The Vietnamese community in Sri Lanka, along with expatriate member Nguyen Kim Ha, was honored by authorities for their contributions to the host country and efforts in strengthening ties between Vietnam and Sri Lanka during a ceremony held in Hanoi. This recognition took place at the Spring Home 2026 festival, which featured delegates from over 40 countries selected as exemplary overseas citizens by the Central Committee of the Vietnam Fatherland Front.
The delegates, representing an estimated seven million overseas Vietnamese, were acknowledged for their significant contributions in various fields, including science, technology, education, investment trade promotion, and cultural preservation. Addressing the delegates, Vietnamese leader To Lam highlighted the perseverance of many teachers in preserving and spreading Vietnamese language and culture among younger generations born and raised abroad, thus maintaining a connection to their roots.
The Spring Home Festival 2026 coincided with Tet, the Vietnamese New Year. During the 14th Party Congress held this year, a new developmental drive was initiated with the guiding principle that the people are central to development, and the overseas community remains an inseparable part of the Vietnamese nation.
“We hope that all compatriots, both at home and abroad, will continue to uphold the national spirit of patriotism, self-reliance, and self-strengthening, thus consolidating national unity,” To Lam stated. “The party and state will always welcome and create favorable conditions for intellectuals, experts, scientists, and entrepreneurs to contribute significantly to national development, especially in key areas during this new stage of development.”
The Central Committee of the Vietnam Fatherland Front awarded a Certificate of Merit to the Vietnamese community in Sri Lanka, recognizing their achievements in community building, solidarity, and positive contributions to both Vietnam and the local society. Nguyen Kim Ha also received a personal Certificate of Merit for her efforts in promoting education, economic, trade, and investment cooperation between the two countries, as well as her contributions to community work.
In an interview with BolsaTV, Kim Ha, nominated by Ambassador Trinh Thi Tam, emphasized the unity and collaborative spirit of the small Vietnamese community in Sri Lanka, particularly in overcoming challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic and the economic crisis in Sri Lanka. “As a child of Vietnam, no matter where you go, you must always remember your roots and preserve your identity,” she remarked. “Moreover, you should strive to learn, gain knowledge, and contribute to the development of both your homeland and the country where you reside.”
In addition to meeting General Secretary To Lam at the Party Central Office, the delegates attended a special art program with the participation of President Luong Cuong. The Vietnamese embassy in Colombo acknowledged this honor for the Vietnamese community in Sri Lanka as a reflection of the Party and State’s recognition of their persistent efforts, spirit of solidarity, cultural identity preservation, and resilience in overcoming challenges while actively contributing to the development of the host country.
