Minister of Foreign Affairs meets with Ambassador of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka to Thailand - The Embassy and Permanent Mission of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka Bangkok, Kingdom of Thailand

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Minister of Foreign Affairs meets with Ambassador of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka to Thailand

Ambassador of Sri Lanka participates in Gemports Award 2026 – The Vivid Legacy, an International Jewelry Design Competition in Bangkok

Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the Kingdom of Thailand, E.A.S Wijayanthi Edirisinghe participated in the Gemports Award 2026 – The Vivid Legacy, Grand Final as the Guest of Honor, held on 15 August 2026 at the Event Hall, Jewelry Trade Center, Bangkok. The Ambassador joined together with General Sonthi Boonyaratglin, former Deputy Prime Minister, and Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), along with distinguished guests, industry leaders, designers, and representatives from the international gem and jewelry community.

Sri Lankan Ambassador Visits Northern Thailand to Strengthen Buddhist and Cultural Ties

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.

25 Sri Lankans Rescued from Cybercrime Centers in Myawaddy, Myanmar Repatriated on 16 December 2025

On 15 January 2026, H.E. Mr. Sihasak Phuangketkeow, Minister of Foreign Affairs, had a discussion with H.E. Mrs. E.A.S. Wijayanthi Edirisinghe, Ambassador of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka to Thailand, to raise the issue of the wellbeing of the two Thai elephants in Sri Lanka.

The Foreign Minister underscored the significance of the Thai elephants as a symbol of long-standing friendship between the two countries and requested the Sri Lankan side to attach due importance to the welfare of the two Thai elephants in Sri Lanka, as this is a matter of great interest for the Thai public. He also emphasized that animal welfare is a critical issue to the international community. The Foreign Minister proposed the retirement of Phlai Pratoopha and the limitation of the scope of the duties of Phlai Srinarong in accordance with the initial purpose of sending the Thai elephants as a gift of friendship.

Both sides agreed with the initiative to have an MoU safeguarding the welfare of the two Thai elephants in accordance with international standards, including establishing a cooperation mechanism between relevant agencies of both countries to ensure the welfare of the Thai elephants, and a joint inspection of the elephants’ health by specialists and veterinarians in order to provide factual reporting to the public. The Ambassador of Sri Lanka informed the Foreign Minister of the Sri Lanka’s plans to retire Phlai Pratoopha after the annual Esala Perahera procession of the Sacred Tooth Relic ceremony in 2027. She also reaffirmed that the two Thai elephants are regarded as sacred animals in Sri Lanka and that the people of Sri Lanka hold them in high esteem.

The Foreign Minister also expressed condolences on the severe flood in Sri Lanka in December 2025.

Original press release can be read here