Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Thailand and Permanent Representative to UNESCAP, C.A. Chaminda I. Colonne paid a courtesy call on newly appointed Minister of Culture of Thailand Sermsak Pongpanich on 11 January 2024 at the Ministry of Culture.
During the discussion, Ambassador Colonne and Minister Sermsak Pongpanich recalled the long standing friendly relations between Sri Lanka and Thailand based on Theravada Buddhism.
They discussed in detail on establishing a Thai language Centre and Sinhala language Centre in Sri Lanka and Thailand respectively and the possibilities of providing a suitable location to establish a Sri Lankan corner to showcase the Sri Lankan arts, literature, etc. . The discussion also focused on providing training programmes for school children in order to upgrade their skills on drama, performing arts at Thai cultural centres, creation of a documentary in Sinhala, Thai, Lao & Khmer languages on historical places in Theravada countries including Thailand, Cambodia and Lao PDR.
They further discussed on implementing the bilateral Cultural Agreement signed in 1981. They also exchanged views on organizing a series of events next year to celebrate the 65th anniversary of the establishment of formal diplomatic relations between the two countries.
The invitation extended by the Ambassador Colonne to Minister Pongpanich to visit Sri Lanka at a mutually convenient time in the near future, was warmly accepted.
Vice Minister of Culture Phonphum Wiphatphumiprathet, Deputy Permanent Secretary for Culture Yuthika Isarangkura, Secretary to the Minister of Culture Penpisut Jintasophon and First Secretary/Head of Chancery of the Sri Lanka Embassy in Bangkok A.W.S. Samanmali, First Secretary (Commercial), Vireshika Bandara also joined the discussion.
Embassy and Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka
Bangkok
22 January 2024
