77th Anniversary of Sri Lanka’s Independence
As we proudly commemorate the 77th anniversary of Sri Lanka’s Independence, it is a moment of deep reflection on our nation’s journey—one shaped by resilience, progress and an enduring commitment to unity. This occasion is not only a tribute to our history but also an opportunity to reaffirm our dedication to a future defined by peace, prosperity and sustainable development.
As we mark this significant milestone, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Sri Lankan community in Thailand and our Thai friends who continue to support and strengthen our relationship. May the spirit of independence inspire us all to work towards greater harmony, mutual prosperity and a brighter future for both our nations.
Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage, breath-taking landscapes and dynamic economy continue to make it a prominent partner in global affairs. Our longstanding friendship with Thailand, rooted in shared Buddhist traditions and strong bilateral ties, has grown from strength to strength, fostering cooperation in trade, investment, tourism and cultural exchanges.
With the recent election of our new President, His Excellency Anura Kumara Dissanayake, and with the formation of the new government, we are filled with hope and optimism for Sri Lanka. This transition brings in its wake the promise of fresh ideas and renewed energy to tackle the contemporary challenges we are encountering.
I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the Government of Thailand for its enormous support. Its assistance has been invaluable as we navigate challenges and work together to strengthen our bilateral ties. Our extant collaboration is essential for fostering mutual respect and understanding between our nations.
Over the past six months of my tenure, I am proud to affirm that we have accomplished several important tasks. One of the most significant has been successfully rescuing 52 stranded Sri Lankans from Myanmar. This operation required extensive coordination and dedication, and I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone involved.
Looking ahead, I am excited to share our ongoing engagement with multilateral forums, particularly with UNESCAP. Our collaboration with UNESCAP is vital as we address critical issues such as sustainable development, climate change and disaster risk reduction.
We are planning a major fillip to cultural diplomacy by celebrating multireligious festivals such as Deepawali and Christmas throughout this year. These celebrations will not only showcase the richness of our diverse cultures but also foster greater understanding and unity within our community and beyond.
Furthermore, I am excited to share our ongoing engagement with multilateral forums, particularly with UNESCAP, as we work towards strengthening regional cooperation in various domains. Looking ahead, the Embassy is preparing for several significant events and initiatives. In March, political consultations between Sri Lanka and Thailand will take place at the Foreign Secretary level, followed by Ministerial-level participation at the 6th BIMSTEC Summit in the first week of April. Additionally, we will celebrate important cultural events, including Vesak, Deepawali, Iftar and Christmas, bringing together all ethnic groups in unity and harmony.
Under the guidance of HE President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, the Government of Sri Lanka has introduced the Clean Sri Lanka Project with the theme of “Beautiful Island Smiling People”, which aims to address a cleaner physical environment and a nationwide moral commitment to enhance ethical principles. This initiative reflects our collective responsibility to build a nation that values cleanliness, integrity and sustainable development. Let us all join hands in supporting this endeavour to create a better Sri Lanka for future generations.
As we step into the future, let us remain united in our commitment to building a stronger, more prosperous Sri Lanka. Let us work together to uphold the values of peace, inclusivity and development, both in our homeland and in the global community. The challenges before us are great, but with unity, resilience and determination, we can overcome them and create a brighter future for generations to come.
Let it be known that the year 2025 marks a significant milestone: the
70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Thailand and Sri Lanka. We are on the verge of a series of important events to commemorate this occasion, an ample resource for strengthening our diplomatic ties to celebrate our shared history and aspirations for the future.
On this auspicious occasion, let us renew our pledge to serve our nation with dedication and pride. Let us also celebrate the strong and enduring friendship between Sri Lanka and Thailand, a partnership that continues to bring mutual benefit to our peoples.
E.A.S. Wijayanthi Edirisinghe
Ambassador of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka
to the Kingdom of Thailand and Permanent Representative to UNESCAP
