UNP questions Govt’s foreign policy over alleged Thai Deputy PM protocol lapse

The United National Party (UNP) has called on the Government to provide an immediate clarification over the alleged failure to extend a diplomatic reception and security to Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister Suphajee Suthumpun during her recent visit to Sri Lanka.

In a statement issued today (19), the UNP questioned why the Thai Deputy Prime Minister had allegedly not been accorded diplomatic protocol or security arrangements during her visit to attend the ceremonial unveiling of the pinnacle of the Mihindu Maha Seya in Mihintale.

The party claimed that the incident reflected the shortcomings of the National People’s Power (NPP) Government’s foreign policy.

According to the UNP, it is customary for Sri Lanka to extend diplomatic courtesies and security arrangements to visiting foreign leaders, irrespective of whether their visits are official or private.

The party cited the example of former British Prime Minister David Cameron, who was reportedly provided special security during a private visit to Sri Lanka after leaving office.

The UNP further pointed out that Suphajee Suthumpun had attended the religious ceremony as its chief guest in her official capacity as Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister.

Highlighting the longstanding diplomatic and religious ties between Sri Lanka and Thailand, the party said the Thai Deputy Prime Minister had also facilitated the bringing of the pinnacle structure and crest gem from Thailand for the ceremony.

The UNP called on the Minister of Buddhasasana and Religious Affairs to explain why the visiting Deputy Prime Minister had allegedly not been accorded appropriate diplomatic recognition and security. (Newswire)

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