Embassy of Sri Lanka in Bangkok Commemorates 70 Years of Sri Lanka–Thailand Diplomatic Relations in Ayutthaya

The Embassy and Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka in Thailand, under the guidance of H E Wijayanthi Edirisinghe, Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the Kingdom of Thailand organized a special religious commemorative ceremony at Wat Vajiradhammarama, Ayutthaya, to mark the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Sri Lanka and Thailand on 21 November 2025. The event also honoured the centuries-old Buddhist ties that have long connected the two nations.

The ceremony brought together Most Venerable Phravavajirakitvimon, Chief Incumbent of Wat Vajiradhammarama, Hon. Chawanin Wongsatitjirakan, Governor of Ayutthaya, senior Thai government officials, the Sri Lankan community in Thailand and a visiting delegation of Sri Lankan monks, nuns, and devotees. The ceremony commenced with a moment to remember the late HRH Queen Sirikit, honoring her extensive charity and social welfare projects, highlighting her enduring legacy of compassion and service.

In her address, Ambassador Wijayanthi Edirisinghe, highlighted that while diplomatic relations were formally established in 1955, Sri Lanka and Thailand share a history rooted in Theravada Buddhism dating back centuries. She recalled the pivotal moment in 1753 when Most Venerable Upali Thero travelled from Ayutthaya to Kandy to restore the Upasampadā (higher ordination) of the Buddhist Sangha in Sri Lanka, leading to the establishment of the Siam Nikaya, an enduring symbol of shared spiritual heritage.

Further, the Ambassador expressed gratitude organizing for Thailand’s humanitarian medical mission, in which Siriraj Hospital will carry out 100 knee replacement surgeries in collaboration with the Kandy Teaching Hospital, to mark the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations.

Buddha Pooja and Pirith chanting, conducted by the Sri Lankan monastic delegation, brought a sense of solemnity and spiritual reflection to the ceremony. Documentary films on Sri Lanka’s Buddhist cultural heritage were screened, offering participants an opportunity to reflect on centuries of spiritual and cultural exchange. The ceremony culminated in the offering of Sangika Dāna, symbolising generosity, compassion, and unity between the monastic communities of the two nations. The participation of 52 Sri Lankan devotees to undertake temporary ordination in Thailand added special significance to the occasion.

Organized and coordinated by the Embassy, the ceremony reaffirmed the deep friendship between Sri Lanka and Thailand and strengthened the foundation for future cultural, spiritual, the programme in Ayutthaya reflected these deep-rooted bonds through a series of religious observances.

Embassy and Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka in Bangkok
24 November 2025