Joint Press Statement
Official Visit to the Kingdom of Thailand of H.E. Maithripala Sirisena,
President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka
1-4 November 2015
President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, Maithripala Sirisena and his delegation paid an Official Visit to Thailand from 1-4 November 2015 at the invitation of General Prayut Chan-o-Cha, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand.
During the visit, the President of Sri Lanka was granted an audience with H.R.H. Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn.
The Visit coincides with the 60th Anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Thailand and Sri Lanka which falls this year. President Maithripala Sirisena brought the sacred relics of Lord Buddha enshrined in the historical Mahiyangana Raja Maha Viharaya for exposition at Putthamonthon from 2 – 16 November 2015 to commemorate this special occasion.
Presentation of a Buddha Statue from Sri Lanka to the Government and the people of Thailand as a special gift and Pirith Chanting ceremony by 60 Sri Lankan Buddhist monks were some of the highlights of the 60th Anniversary Celebrations.
On 2 November 2015, the President of Sri Lanka and Prime Minister of Thailand held bilateral talks on a wide range of issues of mutual interest covering political and economic, cultural and religious cooperation, agriculture and fisheries industries, tourism and people-to-people contacts. The discussions between the two sides were held in a warm and cordial atmosphere.
The two leaders expressed satisfaction at the excellent relations maintained between Thailand and Sri Lanka and re-affirmed their commitment to take all necessary steps to elevate the relations to a higher level.
Following the discussion, the two leaders witnessed the exchange of commemorative stamps to mark the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
The Prime Minister of Thailand hosted a banquet in honour of the President of Sri Lanka and his delegation at the Government House on 2 November 2015.
On 3 November 2015, President Maithripala Sirisena and Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak addressed the Thailand-Sri Lanka Business Forum, jointly organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand and the Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking, with the participation of both Sri Lankan and Thai business delegations.
The outcome of the visit reflected the long-standing relations between the two countries and peoples based on shared historical, religious and cultural affinities.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Colombo
4th November 2015
