Minister of Transport, Highways and Mass Media Dr Bandula Gunawardena, Minister of Justice, Prisons Affairs and Constitutional Reforms Dr. Wijedasa Rajapakshe with Poj Harnpol, Ambassador of Thailand to Sri Lanka at the Thai National Day Reception held in Colombo. Pictures by Wimal Karunathilake.
Sri Lanka and Thailand will resume Free Trade Agreement negotiations in early January 2023 with the expected deliverable outcome by the end of next year. With the prospective conclusion of FTA between our two countries, trade volume will increase to reach the goal of USD 1,500 million set during the Prime Minister of Thailand’s visit to Sri Lanka in 2018, Poj Harnpol, Ambassador of Thailand to Sri Lanka stated at the Thai National Day Reception, held in Colombo on December 5.
| Vignetts of the event |
“Historically, Sri Lanka and Thailand have shared and exchanged common cultures and values centuries ago via Theravada Buddhism. But let’s have a look at the recent developments of our relations by citing some significant milestones in our relations. In the first quarter of this year, BIMSTEC Bay of Bengal Initiatives for Multi-Sectoral and Economic Cooperation Summit has concluded successfully under Sri Lanka Chairmanship and Thailand assumed BIMSTEC Chairmanship with the aim of materializing the implementation of BIMSTEC Charter,” Ambassador for Thailand said.
Ambassador Harnpol said, the Royal Thai Embassy has recently witnessed dynamic developments on the private sector side: a few of Thai Investment Projects in the pipeline have received encouraging responses from the Sri Lankan Agencies such as BOI. If these Projects were ultimately approved, their implementations will help stimulate the export oriented economy policy of Sri Lanka and improve livelihoods of grass-root level people by way of employment opportunities in the much needed region of the Northern and Eastern Provinces. The success stories of Thai Entrepreneurs and Thai Companies in Sri Lanka will surely pave the way for more diversified investments from Thailand. “We see prospects in areas such as Agro-Industry, Tourism and accommodation, Bio Circular and Green Energy,” he said.
Since the outset of economic hardship in Sri Lanka earlier this year, the Thai Government, civil societies and private sectors have provided substantial and meaningful assistance both in kind and cash to Sri Lanka in order to ease difficulties faced by Sri Lankan people during this harsh time. He said some notable contributions from Thailand were, Rs 8 million from the Foundation of the Former Sangaraja under Royal Patronage and the donation of 120 tons of rice from the Rama IX Golden Jubilee Temple, also the donation of medical supplies and other necessary items worth more than THB 1.8 million, (approx. LKR 18,000,000) from the Thai Red Cross Society. The INSEE Cement Company donated 10,000 doses of Erythropoietin (EPO) vaccinations valued at LKR 40 million to the Ministry of Health to address the shortage of medicine resulting from Sri Lanka’s current economic crisis.
“Last month, the Royal Thai Government donated USD 367,550 (approx. LKR 133 million) to support UNDP Projects in Sri Lanka to procure maize seeds and for the Backyard Poultry Programme. In addition, the Government of Thailand is in the process of sending 3,060 units of much needed Dextran injection to help curb the spread of dengue fever in the country. The overall contribution from Thailand to Sri Lanka is estimated to be more than LKR 300 million, reflecting Thailand’s genuine efforts to provide help to a friend in need during this difficult time. Building on centuries of friendship and partnership, Thailand will continue to stand by Sri Lanka during this challenging journey to help Sri Lanka in all possible ways to respond to and recover from the ongoing humanitarian emergencies and difficulties,” Ambassador Harnpol said.
Thailand and Sri Lanka are on firm ground to move ahead together for mutual benefit, based on our strongest historical bond lasting almost a millennium and the people-to-people goodwill and affinity that has grown beautifully out of such bond. Thailand stands ready to work closely with Sri Lanka to further strengthen the existing excellent relations.
“It is my ardent hope that on the Thai National Day next year, our Embassy would be able to report to you other major investment projects and trade developments as well as people to people activities in this country,” he said.
The Ambassador further added that Thailand is a time-tested friend of Sri Lanka and is optimistic of the potential of this country and committed to working closely with Sri Lanka for mutual prosperity, sustainable growth and long lasting friendship.