President Sirisena to tour Thailand

Tuesday, 27 October 2015 00:49 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

First tour since becoming Head of State, 60 years of diplomatic relations to be celebrated during visit

President Maithripala Sirisena will undertake an official visit to the Kingdom of Thailand from 1 to 4 November, on the invitation of the Prime Minister of Thailand, General Prayuth Chan-o-Cha. This visit also coincides with the celebrations of the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Sri Lanka and Thailand.

During the visit, President Sirisena will be received in audience by Crown Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, and bilateral discussions will be held between President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister Chan-o-Cha. The discussions will focus on areas of mutual interest to enhance closer links and cooperation between the two countries.

President Maithripala Sirisena will address the business forum organised by the Thai Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking. Associated with this occasion would be Somkid Jatusripitak, Deputy Prime Minister and Economic Affairs Minister of Thailand.

During this visit, Sirisena will also launch the exposition of the Sacred Relics from the Mahiyangana Raja Maha Viharaya in Puttamonthon. The exposition will continue until 16 November. A statue of the Gautama Buddha will also be gifted to the people of Thailand as a symbol of the close friendship maintained between Sri Lanka and Thailand, based on Buddhist links that pre-dates the establishment of formal diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Sixty Buddhist monks from temples across Sri Lanka will also travel to Thailand to be part of the religious events which are scheduled for this occasion.