It is an honor for me to extend my warm greetings and felicitations on this auspicious occasion of the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka and The Kingdom of Thailand on 20th November 2025. The history behind this partnership dates back far deeper than seven decades, and is rooted in centuries of shared cultural, religious, and civilizational heritage that have woven the two nations into a bond of profound friendship.
At the heart of these ties lie Theravada Buddhism, the spiritual foundation that unite the people of Sri Lanka and Thailand. With Buddhism being introduced to Sri Lanka in the 3rd century B.C this made the island a central hub for Theravada Buddhism. By the 13th century King Parakramabahu the II in Dambadeniya Kingdom extended his royal patronage to spread trade and religious ties to Thailand.
Due to the foreign invasions by the 18th century Buddhism came to an extinction which then led Most Venerable Upali Thero from Ayutthaya travel to the Kingdom of Kandy in 1753. His mission was to restore Upasampadā, the higher ordination of Buddhist monks and revitalize Sri Lanka’s monastic order. This sacred act established the Siam Nikaya, which continues to thrive in Sri Lanka today, symbolizing an unbroken lineage of reverence, learning, and spiritual exchange between the two nations.
This Buddhist connection further deepened over the centuries under the patronage of the royal monarchy of Thailand. Successive monarchs extended generous support to Sri Lankan temples, strengthening monastic training, temple infrastructure, and scholarly engagement enduring Thailand’s commitment to safeguarding and enriching Sri Lanka’s Buddhist heritage.
High-level visits have also been central to nurturing bilateral ties. Members of the Thai Royal Family, especially Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn have travelled to Sri Lanka, while Sri Lankan dignitaries have likewise visited Thailand. These exchanges continue to foster goodwill and cooperation, deepen political relations, and open new avenues for collaboration.
Today, Sri Lanka and Thailand share vibrant, multi-sector cooperation, with growing ties in trade, investment, agriculture, education, fisheries, tourism, and culture. The 2024 Sri Lanka–Thailand Free Trade Agreement will be 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.
To commemorate the 70th anniversary, Thailand’s renowned Siriraj Hospital, in collaboration with the Kandy Teaching Hospital, is organizing a humanitarian medical mission to perform 100 knee replacement surgeries for Sri Lankans. This compassionate initiative coincides with the 70th birthday of HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, honoring her lifelong dedication to public welfare.
Sri Lanka also warmly appreciates the two Thai elephants gifted by the Royal Thai Government over decades ago who are cherished “Ambassadors of Goodwill” that continue to receive exceptional care, symbolizing enduring affection between the two nations.
As Sri Lanka and Thailand celebrate this historic milestone, the journey ahead is illuminated by shared values, cultural affinity, and mutual aspirations.
Embassy of Sri Lanka
Bangkok
20 November 2025
