Thai Deputy Prime Minister arrives today

Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak will pay an official visit to Sri Lanka from 8-11 March.  

The Thai delegation comprises around 130 persons from Government and private sectors. The objectives of the visit are to follow up on the official visit to Thailand of President Maithripala Sirisena last year, particularly in the areas of trade and investment between Thailand and Sri Lanka in various sectors such as agriculture, fisheries, tourism, construction, consumer goods and pharmaceuticals.

The program of Deputy Prime Minister Somkid’s visit includes the bilateral meetings with Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera, which will provide an opportunity for both sides to exchange views on the bilateral relations in all aspects. Moreover, the Economic Ministers’ Meeting, co-chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Somkid and International Trade Minister Malik Samarawickrama, to be attended by relevant economic ministers and high ranking officials of Thailand and Sri Lanka, will be held to discuss ways and means to promote and enhance trade and investment cooperation between the two countries.

The other highlight of this visit is an exclusive session between Deputy Prime Minister Somkid and representatives of leading companies from Thailand and Sri Lanka. This session is designed to explore more trade and investment opportunities between the two countries. Also, there are a business matching session and a Business Forum, both of which will be attended by more than 100 Thai and Sri Lankan businessmen. These activities will help connect the private sectors of the two countries, and intensify trade and investment activities between Thailand and Sri Lanka. 

In addition to the economic aspect, Deputy Prime Minister Somkid will visit several world-renowned Buddhist places in Sri Lanka. Those are Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara in Colombo, Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy and various Buddhist sites in Anuradhapura – a UNESCO World Heritage site.  This official visit of the Deputy Prime Minister is another step of the new journey in the relations between Thailand and Sri Lanka. It will not only deepen the long-standing relations in Buddhism but also strengthen political and economic cooperation between the two countries.