In a significant development, President Ranil Wickremesinghe addressed the Thailand-Sri
Lanka Business Forum at the Kingsbury Hotel, highlighting the auspicious timing of the
event. The President announced the signing of a ground-breaking free trade agreement (FTA)
between Sri Lanka and Thailand, marking the second FTA with an ASEAN country.
President Wickremesinghe emphasized the historic trade relationship between the two
nations, which predates even the Sukhothai Kingdom. He urged a revival of this connection, considering the strategic positions of Sri Lanka in the Indian Ocean and Thailand in the Asia Pacific. The President also acknowledged the cultural ties, including shared traditions like the Ramayana and Theravada Buddhism.
President Wickremesinghe welcomed Thailand’s Prime Minister and expressed enthusiasm
for the proposed land bridge of Krah Canal, connecting Sri Lankan ports to the Asia Pacific.
He highlighted the potential for regional logistics centres and discussed collaborative efforts
in renewable energy, agriculture modernization, and fisheries development.
The President lauded the commitment to commercial Durian cultivation, with the Prime
Minister offering assistance to modernize agriculture. Tourism also took centre stage, with
plans to provide land and historic buildings for development in strategic areas. President
Wickremesinghe concluded by urging both nations to seize the opportunities presented and
work collaboratively for mutual benefit.
Expressing his views at the Business Forum, the Prime Minister of Thailand Hon. Srettha
Thavisin highlighted potential collaborations in Sri Lanka’s growing hospitality industry,
covering food and beverages, hotel supplies and skills development through cooperation
between academies and hospitality institutes. Emphasizing the cultural and religious bonds
between the nations, he mentioned Thai Airways International’s resumption of daily flights
between Bangkok and Colombo commencing from the 31st of March.
The Prime Minister encouraged more Thai companies to invest in Sri Lanka’s infrastructure,
manufacturing and energy sectors. He also urged increased tourism, suggesting Thai
companies capitalize on Sri Lanka’s infrastructure projects and tourist advantages in markets like India, UAE, and the EU.
In terms of maritime connectivity, he identified Sri Lanka as a crucial partner in Thailand’s
ambition to become a logistics hub in Southeast Asia, citing a land bridge project to connect the Andaman Sea with the Gulf of Thailand. Additionally, he welcomed Indonesia’s highcrystal ocean project in the coming years.
The Prime Minister assured that Thailand is open for business year-round, inviting
collaboration to foster economic growth and move into an exciting future.
President’s Media Division (PMD)
03-02-2024
