Sri Lanka and Lao PDR Strengthen Cultural and Tourism Cooperation

The Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Thailand, concurrently accredited to Lao People’s Democratic Republic (PDR), Wijayanthi Edirisinghe, met with the Minister of Information, Culture, and Tourism of Lao PDR Suanesavanh Vignaket, in Vientiane. The meeting underscored the strong cultural and diplomatic ties between Sri Lanka and Lao PDR, particularly in the realms of Theravāda Buddhism, tourism, and cultural cooperation.

During the discussions, Ambassador Edirisinghe reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s commitment to strengthening cultural and people-to-people exchanges, Temple to Temple contacts with Lao PDR. She emphasized the deep-rooted historical ties between the two nations, which are primarily built on a shared Theravāda Buddhist heritage. The Ambassador also explored opportunities for further collaboration in promoting religious pilgrimages, cultural exchanges, and tourism development between Sri Lanka and Lao PDR.

Minister Suanesavanh Vignaket welcomed the Ambassador and expressed appreciation for Sri Lanka’s continued engagement with Lao PDR. The Minister highlighted the potential for increased cooperation in cultural and tourism promotion.

Both sides discussed initiatives to facilitate Buddhist pilgrimages and tourism exchanges, including enhancing connectivity and promotional activities. Ambassador Edirisinghe conveyed Sri Lanka’s interest in working closely with Lao PDR to promote Buddhist circuits and strengthen bilateral tourism flows.

The meeting reaffirmed the commitment of Sri Lanka and Lao PDR to further enhancing bilateral cooperation in the fields of culture, information, and tourism, fostering greater understanding and collaboration between the two nations.

Embassy and Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka
Bangkok
10.03.2025