Ambassador & Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka attends 8th South and South-West Asia Forum on Sustainable Development in New Delhi
The Eighth South and South-West Asia Forum on Sustainable Development has taken place in New Delhi, India from 11th to 12th November 2024, co-hosted by the NITI Aayog of the Government of India and Economic and Social Commission for Asia and Pacific (ESCAP), in collaboration with the UN Resident Coordinator, with a strong call for renewed commitment, accelerated efforts and innovative solutions to meet development ambitions. The Ambassador & Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka in Bangkok, E.A.S. Wijayanthi Edirisinghe was invited to attend the forum.
Promoting Buddhist Religious Tourism: Sri Lanka and Thailand Collaborate on ‘Solosmastana’ Documentary
The Embassy and Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka in Bangkok, in collaboration with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and the Public Broadcasting Service of Thailand (Thai PBS), are producing a documentary on ‘Solosmastana’, featuring the 16 sacred religious sites of Sri Lanka. This initiative aims to strengthen Buddhist religious tourism between the two nations, highlighting shared cultural and spiritual heritage.
The Sri Lankan community in Thailand and the Embassy staff jointly marked the Solemn occasion with a formal programme by hoisting of the national flag by the Ambassador and singing the national anthem, followed by a two-minutes silence in memory of all patriotic Sri Lankans who ushered the freedom, liberty and sovereignty of mother Sri Lanka, as well as lighting the traditional oil lamp.
As per the tradition, multi faith religious sermons invoking blessings to all Sri Lankans and the country were showered by Ven. Prof. Walmoruwe Piyarathana, Ven. Wilgamuwe Ariyarathana, Rev.Kurukkal Kanappen Sivachariyar, Rev. Imam Abdul Ahud and Rev. Father Peter Jittapol Plangklang, respectively. The messages of H.E the President, Hon. Prime Minister and the Minister of Foreign Relations were read by the Embassy Staff.
The Sri Lankan Association, Thai-Sri Lanka Chamber, Sri Lankan students in Thailand and many friends and well-wishers who joined the celebrations shared a sumptuous Sri Lankan lunch including traditional sweetmeats arranged by the Embassy staff.
Embassy of Sri Lanka
Bangkok
11 February 2020
Message from H. E. (Mrs.) Samantha K. Jayasuriya, Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Thailand on 72nd Independence Day, broadcasted in Radio Thailand
MP3. AUDIO AUD-Radio Thailand 72 Independence
Ayubowan- ( May you have long life),Sawadeeka,
Today, as we celebrate the 72ndAnniversary of Independence of Sri Lanka, it is with great pride and pleasure,that I convey my warmest greetings and congratulations to all Sri Lankans living in the Kingdom of Thailand. This auspicious occasion provides us an opportunity to salute the patriotic Sri Lankans of all communities and religions, for coming together to usher freedom and liberty to our beloved motherland. It is also a solemn moment to reflect upon our achievements and legacy in the political, economic and social spheresas a free Nation,and to renew our commitment to continue respect and uphold democracy, human dignity, sustainable development and peace for all.
As we move into the new decade-2020, it also unfolds the 65th anniversary of the formal establishment of the diplomatic relations between Thailand and Sri Lanka, although our relations goway back to the 800 BCE. It was from Sri Lanka, the ‘TheravadhaBhuddist tradition’ was introduced to Thailand and established as ‘Lankawamsa’, andin the year 1753, when Sri Lanka was under the York of colonialism, it was with the patronage of the King of then Siam,the tradition of higher ordination was re-established, originating the ‘Siam Chapter’ in Sri Lanka.This deeply entrenched historical relationship is galvanized by regular exchanges of religious delegations and people-to-people contacts, as well as through the high-level visits over the past years.
With its strategic location in the Indian Ocean connecting the important East-West sea routes, Sri Lanka, based on its ‘Friendly and non-aligned foreign policy’,is committed to promote safe and peaceful navigation in the Indian Ocean and sustainable use of its resources,while preventingsea pollution.
Sri Lanka congratulates Thailand on its successful stewardship to ASEAN last year, and for the many achievements towards reinforcing ‘partnership for sustainability’. Sri Lanka looks forward to become a SectoralDialouge Partner of ASEAN advancing the already existing closeengagementswith the region such as the Asean Regional Forum (ARF), while also working together within other intergovernmental fora such as BIMSTEC (the Bengal Initiative for Multi-sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation), the Colombo Plan, the Colombo Process on labour migration and the Bali Process to name a few.
The technical cooperation between Sri Lanka and Thailand has been multifaceted, where we have benefited from the projects based on the ‘Sufficiency Economy’, ‘Royal Rain Making’, and capacity building in the field of Agriculture.Sri Lankan Navy has extended programmesfor Thai Coast Guards on maritime security, particularly in knowledge sharing on combatingsea transport of narcotics.
With our socio-cultural and religious proximity and affiliations, we mark similar celebrations such as the ‘songkran’-or the New Year in April, the ‘VishakaBucha’ or Vesak day, as well as many common beliefs, rituals and way of life centered onthe family.These very dynamic relations haveresulted in the number of Thai and Sri Lankan travelers exploring each other’s country growing with greater potentials.
In fact, Sri Lanka is a placebeyond the known Buddhist trails. Sri Lanka hosts 8 UNESCO heritage sites. With 26 national parks and 2 marine parks, it is indeed a bio diversity hot spot. Its pristine beaches are a year round destination for sun, sand and sea offering a variety of luxury, boutique style andbudget accommodation. The world famous refreshing taste of ‘Ceylon Tea’, ‘Ceylon Cinnamon’, and the precious blue sapphires, rubies, adventures throughnature trails,and picture perfect scenic beauty, can only add to one’s indelible memories of a tropical paradise.
Finally, I take this opportunity to commend all Sri Lankans living and working in Thailand for positively contributing to this gracious host country, Thailand.
Let us join hands in unity and fraternity, to build a prosperous, modern and peaceful country,while cherishing our diversity withinSri Lankan identity.
Happy Independence Day to all Sri Lankans- Long live Thai-Sri Lanka Relations.
