Sri Lanka and Thailand successfully concluded the 6th Round of Bilateral Political Consultations recently at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand in Bangkok. The meeting was co-chaired by Ms. Aruni Ranaraja, Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism of Sri Lanka, and Ms. Eksiri Pintaruchi, Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs of Thailand.
During the consultations, the two delegations shared the key developments in their respective countries. The Sri Lankan side briefed the Thai delegation on recent national developments, including the “Clean Sri Lanka” initiative introduced by the President, as well as advancements in digital infrastructure, IT, and the digital economy.
Acknowledging the significance of convening timely consultations, the two sides noted that the platform provided an excellent opportunity to comprehensively review bilateral relations, identify ways to strengthen existing cooperation, and new areas for engagement. The discussions in Bangkok covered a wide range of sectors within the frameworks of political, economic, defence, cultural, tourism and other spheres.
During the discussions on economic matters, Foreign Secretary Ranaraja highlighted the enabling environment in Sri Lanka for expanding Thai investments, underscoring the growing economic partnership between the two countries. The two sides explored opportunities to elevate the economic engagement in investment and trade. They focused on matters relating to the Sri Lanka - Thailand FTA and the priority areas identified for focused cooperation, such as investment, infrastructure, agro-industry, fisheries, gems and jewellery, tourism, SMEs, financial services, packaging and ICT.
Regional and global issues of mutual interest were also discussed, with the two sides reaffirming the importance of collaboration through regional frameworks such as IORA, BIMSTEC, ASEAN, RCEP, and ACD. Both sides valued the partnership extended to each other within the framework of regional and international cooperative frameworks and reiterated their commitment to further strengthening cooperation on regional and international matters. Secretary Ranaraja congratulated Thailand for its leadership and for hosting the forthcoming BIMSTEC Summit, and the associated Ministerial and Senior Officials meetings as well as the inaugural BIMSTEC Young GEN Forum, scheduled in early April 2025 in Bangkok.
The 70th Anniversary of diplomatic relations between Sri Lanka and Thailand which falls this year will be commemorated by both countries including through a series of knowledge-sharing seminars and events coordinated by the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Bangkok and the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs such as a logo competition and commemorative postbox design. The award ceremony for the winners of the logo competition commemorating the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations, was also held on the sidelines of the consultations.
The two sides agreed to follow up on the outcomes of the discussions, including the revival of the Cultural Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and the signing of a Tourism Cooperation MoU.
Sri Lanka will host the next round of Bilateral Political Consultations at a mutually agreed date.
The Thai delegation included Director-General Ms. Sasirit Tangulrat, Deputy Director-General Ms. Wanalee Lohpechra, Director Mr. Kasemsan Thongsiri, Minister Counsellor Ms. Nareeta Supradist, Counsellor Mr. Phongpob Methakullawat, and Attaché Mr. Phuritaht Pengyork. The Sri Lanka delegation included Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Thailand Ms. Wijayanthi Edirisinghe, Director (South East Asia & Central Asia) Ms. Thilini Ihalage, Acting Director of Commerce Ms. Chandima Kiriwandala, Head of Chancery, Embassy of Sri Lanka Ms. A.W.S. Samanmali, and Counsellor (Commercial) Ms. Vireshika Bandara.
On the sidelines of the consultations, Secretary Ranaraja paid a courtesy call on Dr. Lalivan Karnchanachari, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand. Their discussions centered on strengthening cultural diplomacy, exploring new avenues of cooperation, and further deepening the longstanding cultural ties rooted in Theravāda Buddhism.
The 6th Round of Bilateral Political Consultations marked a significant milestone in the growing partnership between Sri Lanka and Thailand, reaffirming their shared commitment to enhancing diplomatic, economic, and cultural ties.
