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.
The Sri Lanka Army cultural troupe led by Cpt. AjithRuwanpura, comprising of 7 performers; Ms. AnushiErandika, Ms. NisansalaDilhani, Mr. PreethiViraj, Mr. Udaya Kumara, Mr. Lasantha Kumara, Ms. MalkaDileshi and Ms. DiliniErandikademonstratedvibrant and colourful dances based on the traditional Kandyan (up country), low Country dance forms, drum beats and traditional vocals and melodies.
Welcoming the gathering Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Thailand Mrs. Samantha K. Jayasuriya said that according to the historical records, Sri Lankan dancing and drumming has been practiced at least for 800 year. There had approximately 35 types of drums been used in Sri Lanka,and the ‘Waves of Rhythm’ performances included the traditional ceremonial drums- called ‘Hevisi’, which is used in the Temple of the Scared Tooth Relic, two popular ‘Wannams’- depicting the majestic movements of the Elephant, called ‘GajagaWannama’, and the flamboyant characters of the peacock, called the ‘MayuraWannama’. Displaying the acrobatic prowess and vibrancy, the performers brought to the stage the traditional dance forms ‘Ves’,and the costumes depict the god of Sun, and ‘Thelme’, isa pure classical and rhythmical dance from the low country, entertaining the audience. Invoking the blessings of the Triple Gem and the benevolent spirits over the audience, the cosmic performance ‘SaluPalia’ -a low country ritualistic dance form engaged the entire audience. The culmination of the event was the drum orchestration that showcased the skills of the performers on five main types of drums along with the bells and flutes.
The event was graced by the diplomatic corps in Bangkok, media, well wishers, university students, Thai and Sri Lankan communitywhere they were able to get some insight of Sri Lanka as a ‘must visit’ travel destination.Videos on Sri Lankan popular travel destinations and hotels were played during the event and brochures from Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) to raise awareness on Sri Lanka. The participants also joined for a reception that gave a taste of Sri Lanka with its world famous ‘Ceylon Tea’ and Sri Lankan snacks.
Embassy of Sri Lanka
Bangkok
20 January 2020