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

Embassy and permanent Mission of Sri Lanka in Bangkok Commemorates the 78th Anniversary of Independence

The Embassy and Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka in Bangkok commemorated the 78th Anniversary of the Independence of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka with an official ceremony held on 4 February 2026 at the Residence of the Ambassador, with the participation of members of the Sri Lankan community, distinguished guests, representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand and members of the diplomatic corps.

Pirith Chanting Ceremony held in Bangkok Marks Sri Lanka’s 78th Independence Anniversary and invokes blessing for peace, resilience and friendship

The Embassy and Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka in Bangkok held a solemn Pirith chanting ceremony on 03 February 2026 at the Official Residence of the Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Thailand, to commemorate the 78th Anniversary of the Independence of Sri Lanka. The ceremony was organized under the guidance of H E Wijayanthi Edirisighe, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka to Thailand and was arranged by the officials of the Embassy and Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka in Bangkok.

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