Ambassador of Sri Lanka Discusses Strengthening Local Governance and Cultural Bonds with Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior

Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Thailand and Permanent Representative to the UNESCAP Wijayanthi Edirisinghe, paid a courtesy call on Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior of Thailand Anutin Charnvirakul, on 9 April 2025 at the Ministry of Interior in Bangkok.

The meeting reflected the longstanding friendship and deep-rooted cultural ties between Sri Lanka and Thailand. The two dignitaries discussed avenues to further strengthen bilateral cooperation, particularly in the context of the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two nations, being commemorated this year.

Ambassador Edirisinghe and Deputy Prime Minister Anutin exchanged views on enhancing people-to-people ties, and fostering greater collaboration between local government institutions in both countries. The Ambassador proposed knowledge-sharing initiatives on local governance drawing on Thailand's experience in community-level administration and development.

During the meeting, Ambassador Edirisinghe also handed over an official invitation from Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation of Sri Lanka, inviting Deputy Prime Minister Anutin to participate in the Fourth Ministerial Conference of the Regional Integrated Multi-Hazard Early Warning System (RIMES), to be held in Colombo during the first week of May 2025. The conference is expected to bring together regional leaders to strengthen cooperation on disaster preparedness and climate resilience.

Special attention was also given to the celebration of Vesak Day in Bangkok, which holds profound significance to both nations as Buddhist countries. The two sides expressed their commitment to working closely together to organize joint commemorative activities that reflect the shared spiritual and cultural heritage.

Ambassador Edirisinghe conveyed her appreciation for the continued support extended by the Government of Thailand to Sri Lanka and reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s commitment to deepening the multifaceted partnership between the two countries.

The Head of Chancery A W S Samanmali, Minister Counsellor (Commercial) Vireshika Bandara also joined the discussion. The courtesy call underscored the mutual desire to build upon the historical bonds and explore new opportunities for cooperation in the years ahead.

Embassy and Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka
Bangkok
11.04.2025