The Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Thailand, E.A.S. Wijayanthi Edirisinghe visited Chiang Mai in Northern Thailand as part of efforts to further strengthen the longstanding Buddhist, cultural and spiritual ties between Sri Lanka and Thailand.

The visit focused on a significant initiative proposed by the Aomthai Foundation, in collaboration with the provinces of Lamphun and Lampang, to promote the shared Buddhist heritage of Sri Lanka and Northern Thailand. The initiative seeks to facilitate the provision of saplings of the sacred Sri Maha Bodhi Tree from Sri Lanka, which are proposed to be ceremonially planted at two principal temples in Lamphun and Lampang in early December 2026.

The Sri Maha Bodhi Tree in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka, holds profound religious significance for Buddhists in Thailand and is regarded as one of the most important living symbols of the enduring links between the two countries. Sri Lanka’s longstanding role in preserving and nurturing the Theravada Buddhist tradition has contributed significantly to the deep spiritual bonds shared by the peoples of Sri Lanka and Thailand.

During the visit, Ambassador Wijayanthi Edirisinghe underscored the importance of initiatives that promote people-to-people relations and build upon the strong historical and spiritual foundations of Sri Lanka–Thailand relations. The proposed planting of the sacred Bodhi saplings is envisaged not only as a religious undertaking, but also as a lasting symbol of friendship, shared faith and spiritual kinship between the two countries.

The initiative also aims to contribute to the development of a Buddhist pilgrimage route connecting places of spiritual significance in Thailand and Sri Lanka, providing opportunities for Buddhist devotees and visitors from around the world to deepen their understanding of the shared Buddhist heritage of the two countries.

Embassy of Sri Lanka in Bangkok

14 August 2026