Marking a significant milestone in the longstanding friendship between Sri Lanka and Cambodia and reaffirming the shared commitment of both countries to further strengthen bilateral cooperation, the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka officially inaugurated its first Honorary Consulate in the Kingdom of Cambodia on 05 August 2026 at the historic Raffles Hotel Le Royal in Phnom Penh.

The ceremony formally marked the appointment of Mr. Pily Wong as the Honorary Consul of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka in the Kingdom of Cambodia. On behalf of the Government of Sri Lanka, H.E. E.A.S. Wijayanthi Edirisinghe, Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the Kingdom of Cambodia, presented the Letter of Appointment to Mr. Wong, officially inaugurating Sri Lanka’s first Honorary Consulate in Cambodia.

The inauguration ceremony, held under the theme “Building Stronger Ties, Shared Prosperity – Sri Lanka & Cambodia,” was graced by H.E. Dr. UN Kheang, Secretary of State of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Cambodia, as the Guest of Honour. The event was attended by Ambassadors and Heads of Diplomatic Missions, Honorary Consuls, senior representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, the Ministry of Interior and other institutions of the Royal Government of Cambodia, representatives of the business community, and members of the Sri Lankan community residing in Cambodia.

Delivering the welcome remarks, Mr. Pily Wong expressed his sincere appreciation to the Government of Sri Lanka for the confidence placed in him through his appointment as the first Honorary Consul of Sri Lanka in Cambodia. He reaffirmed his commitment to working closely with the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Bangkok and the Royal Government of Cambodia to promote stronger bilateral relations, facilitate trade, investment and tourism, foster closer business and people-to-people linkages, and extend every possible assistance to Sri Lankan nationals in Cambodia.

Addressing the gathering, Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Cambodia, H E Wijayanthi Edirisinghe, highlighted that the inauguration of the Honorary Consulate marks the beginning of a new chapter in Sri Lanka–Cambodia relations. She noted that although diplomatic relations were established in 1952, the friendship between the two countries dates back many centuries, founded upon their shared Theravada Buddhist heritage, longstanding cultural exchanges, ancient maritime trade links, and enduring people-to-people connections.

The Ambassador noted that Sri Lanka–Cambodia relations have gained renewed momentum in recent years through high-level exchanges, expanding political dialogue, and growing economic cooperation. She emphasized that the establishment of Sri Lanka’s first Honorary Consulate in Cambodia reflects the importance attached by the Government of Sri Lanka to further strengthening bilateral relations and expressed confidence that it would serve as a focal point for promoting trade, investment, tourism, and business partnerships, while complementing the work of the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Bangkok by facilitating closer institutional cooperation and providing greater support to Sri Lankan nationals residing in or visiting Cambodia.

The Ambassador also commended Mr. Pily Wong for his dedicated service even prior to his formal appointment. She noted that he had worked closely with the Embassy in assisting Sri Lankan nationals in Cambodia by coordinating with the Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, the Ministry of Interior, immigration authorities and other relevant agencies on a range of consular matters, including the repatriation of Sri Lankan nationals, facilitating Emergency Travel Documents and travel arrangements, and extending invaluable assistance in sensitive cases involving deceased Sri Lankan nationals.

Delivering remarks as the Guest of Honour, H.E. Dr. UN Kheang underscored the importance of further strengthening the bonds of friendship and bilateral relations between Cambodia and Sri Lanka. He noted that the establishment of the Honorary Consulate represents an important step in deepening Cambodia–Sri Lanka relations and would serve as an effective bridge for promoting economic cooperation, facilitating business and tourism, enhancing people-to-people exchanges, and providing consular assistance to the citizens of both countries.

Reflecting the profound cultural affinity between the two countries, particularly their shared Theravada Buddhist heritage, the ceremony featured the traditional Robam Choun Por (Blessing Dance) performed by the Royal Ballet of Cambodia, symbolizing blessings for peace, prosperity and the success of the newly established Honorary Consulate. The official ceremony was followed by a reception showcasing the rich culinary traditions of Sri Lanka.

The Honorary Consulate marks a new chapter in Sri Lanka–Cambodia relations and will serve to strengthen bilateral cooperation, expand economic engagement, and enhance consular services for Sri Lankan nationals.

Embassy and Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka

Bangkok

10 August 2026