Thai Prime Minister’s historic Sri Lanka visit…
February 3, 2024
The Sri Lanka-Thailand Free Trade Agreement (SLTFTA) was signed during the visit of Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and his delegation of business dignitaries today (03) at the Presidential Secretariat. This move aims to enhance market opportunities, with negotiations covering various aspects such as Trade in Goods, Investment, Customs Procedure, and Intellectual Property Rights.
Minister of Trade, Commerce, and Food Security, Nalin Fernando, represented Sri Lanka, while Phumtham Wechayachai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce, represented Thailand by signing the accord.
The two governments also inked a new Bilateral Air Services Agreement, providing for liberalized services between the two countries. Meanwhile, the Gem and Jewellery Research and Training Institute (GJRTI) of Sri Lanka and the Gem and Jewellery Institute of Thailand (GIT) solidified their commitment to enhance bilateral cooperation by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) during the same event. Thai PM Thavisin arrived on the island this afternoon for a 2-day visit, accompanied by a high-level delegation. He is also scheduled to grace the national ceremony to mark the 76th Anniversary of the Independence of Sri Lanka as Guest of Honour.
In a gesture of warm hospitality, President Ranil Wickremesinghe extended a cordial welcome to PM Thavisin, and the accompanying official delegation at the Presidential Secretariat this afternoon. After the gracious reception, a formal ceremony unfolded, with the Chief of Defence Staff accompanying the two leaders to the saluting dais. A Guard of Honour was also awarded to the distinguish guests followed by a 19 Gun salute.
Later, President Wickremesinghe and PM Thavisin engaged in an exclusive one-to-one meeting, hosted at the President’s office.
Pics by – Osanda Daham Nimsara & PMD
