President Maithripala Sirisena’s three-day official visit to Thailand aims to cement close religious and trade ties between the two countries, according to the Thailand government. 

President Sirisena made the trip after an invitation by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and he will meet the premier at Government House. 

Sri Lankan businessmen accompanying Sirisena on his trip will meet their Thai counterparts to discuss trade, while Mr Sirisena and Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak will meet to discuss trade and investment ties today.

The President was warmly received at the Airport by the Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand, Mr. Somkib Jatusri Titak along with Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera and staff members of the Embassy. 

President Sirisena was accorded a Guard of Honour on his arrival at the airport. President Sirisena also participated in a special religious ceremony organized at the airport for the Sacred Relics brought from Sri Lanka to Thailand by the members of the Maha Sangha including Ven. Ittepane Dhammalankara Nayaka Thera and the Chief Incumbent of the Mahiyangana Raja Maha Viharaya, Ven. Urulawatte Dhamma Rakkitha Thero. 

The President also offered pirikara to the Thailand Bhikkhus and President Sirisena thanked for the invitation extended to him to visit Thailand and said that the relationship between the two countries will be further strengthened with the blessings of the Sacred Relics.