Political relations (Laos)
- While the Government of Lao PDR is a one-party communist state (the single party is the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party or LPR), Political relations between Sri Lanka and Laos have remained cordial and further strengthened through the Buddhist links.
- The President and Vice President are indirectly elected by the National Assembly for a 5-year term (no term limits); The Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers are appointed by the president with the approval of the National Assembly for a five-year term. The last election was held on 21 February 2021 (next election to be held in 2026).
- Formal Diplomatic relations between Sri Lanka and Lao PDR was established on 20th July 1965 accredited to Bangkok, Thailand.
- The Government of Sri Lanka has appointed Ms. Manilay Thiphalansy, as the Honorary Consul of Sri Lanka to Lao PDR since 2018.
Ambassador E.A.S. Wijayanthi Edirisinghe presents the Letter of Credence to His Excellency Mr. Thongloun Sisoulith, President of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic
Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Lao PDR, Wijayanthi Edirisinghe presented the Letter of Credence to President of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Thongloun Sisoulith, at a formal ceremony at eth Presidential Palace on March 4, 2025, in Vientiane.
During the credential presentation, Ambassador Edirisinghe conveyed warm greetings from President of Sri Lanka Anura Kumara Dissanayake, and reiterated the longstanding and friendly ties between Sri Lanka and Lao PDR. This year marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two nations, reflecting six decades of close cooperation in diplomacy, trade, and cultural exchanges.
President Thongloun Sisoulith expressed best wishes to the President and the Government and also to the people of Sri Lanka. He welcomed and congratulated Ambassador Edirisinghe on her new appointment and expressed confidence that her diplomatic expertise and experience would contribute significantly to strengthening the friendship and cooperation between the two countries. He recalled his visit to Sri Lanka and emphasized the importance of advancing bilateral relations through high-level exchanges, economic-commercial cooperation, investment opportunities, and other areas of mutual interest.
Ambassador Edirisinghe expressed her deep appreciation to President Thongloun Sisoulith and the Government of Lao PDR for the warm reception and hospitality extended to her. She reaffirmed her commitment to furthering the friendly ties between Sri Lanka and Lao PDR, ensuring tangible benefits for both nations and their peoples.
The credential ceremony also witnessed the presentation of credentials by twelve other newly appointed Ambassadors to Lao PDR.
The Embassy of Sri Lanka remains dedicated to fostering and strengthening bilateral relations, promoting economic and trade collaboration, and enhancing cultural and people-to-people ties between Sri Lanka and Lao PDR.
High level visits:
- Hon. Ranil Wickremesinghe, then Prime Minister of Sri Lanka met the Prime Minister of Lao PDR on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum on ASEAN held from 11-13 September 2018 in Hanoi and extended an invitation to Laotian Prime Minister to visit Sri Lanka.
- Hon. Tilak Marapana, then Minister of Foreign Affairs met H.E. Saleumxay Kommasith, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lao PDR on the sidelines of the 25th ASEAN Regional Forum held in August 2018 in Singapore.
- A Parliamentary Friendship Association has been established between the Sri Lanka Parliament and Lao peoples’ Assembly and a 7-member delegation of Sri Lankan Parliamentarians undertook a visit to Laos in June 2017.
- Hon. Karu Jayasooriya, then Speaker of the Sri Lanka Parliament led a parliamentary delegation to Vientiane in April 2018. During the visit, Hon. Speaker met the Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs and the President of the National Assembly of Lao PDR. Among the matters discussed included Buddhist tourism circuit between Sri Lanka and Lao PDR and granting of ‘On Arrival visa’ facility for ordinary Sri Lankan passport holders.