The Embassy of Sri Lanka hosted “Sri Lanka: Your Next Best Destination to Mark 70th Anniversary of Sri Lanka–Thailand Diplomatic Relations
By Kathleen Pokrud
The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Bangkok, in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau and Sri Lankan Airlines, recently organised “Sri Lanka: Your Next Best Destination”, a tourism promotional evening, at the Avani Riverside Hotel, Bangkok, to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Sri Lanka and Thailand.
The event opened with welcome remarks delivered by Sri Lanka’s ambassador to Thailand, HE Mrs Wijayanthi Edirisinghe, who highlighted the enduring friendship, cultural affinity and growing cooperation between the two nations over the past seven decades. The ambassador emphasised the importance of tourism as a pillar of bilateral engagement and invited Thai travellers to explore Sri Lanka’s rich heritage, natural beauty and diverse experiences.
Ambassador Edirisinghe explained, “Sri Lanka and Thailand share a vibrant, multi-sector cooperation, with growing ties in trade, investment, agriculture, education, fisheries, tourism and culture. The 2024 Sri Lanka–Thailand Free Trade Agreement is a major milestone, boosting market access, lowering barriers and encouraging investment. Enhanced air connectivity through the renewed Air Services Agreement and strengthened collaboration in the gem and jewellery sector further deepen this modern partnership.
“A new and meaningful dimension of cooperation has emerged as Thailand prepares to offer foreign employment opportunities to 10,000 Sri Lankan workers, reflecting deeper people-to-people ties and Thailand’s confidence in Sri Lanka’s human resource potential.”
Guests were presented with a curated selection of documentary films showcasing Sri Lanka’s iconic heritage sites, including Mihintale, Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Kandy and Sigiriya. The visual journey highlighted Sri Lanka’s historical and cultural legacy, reinforcing its position as a premier destination for heritage tourism.
A special fashion segment by Buddhi Batiks, featuring Thai models, added vibrant colour to the evening, presenting contemporary designs inspired by traditional Sri Lankan batik craftsmanship. The event also featured musical performances by Miss Sri Lanka 2021, delighting the audience with renditions that celebrated Sri Lankan culture.
The programme concluded with a networking session attended by representatives from the Sri Lanka and Thai travel industry, media, influencers and members of the diplomatic community. Participants engaged in discussions aimed at strengthening tourism partnerships and enhancing people-to-people linkages between Sri Lanka and Thailand.
The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Bangkok remains committed to fostering deeper cultural, economic and tourism ties with Thailand and to continue to look forward to further collaborative initiatives in the years ahead.
