Thai Minister assures to promote Buddhist tourism and two-way tourism exchanges with Sri Lanka

Thailand Minister of Tourism and Sport Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol assured her fullest support and cooperation for strengthening Thai-Sri Lanka relations in the field of tourism, especially to enhance Buddhist religious tourism, and two-way tourism exchanges.

The Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Thailand and Permanent Representative to UNESCAP C.A. Chaminda I. Colonne paid a courtesy call on Thai Minister Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol at the Ministry of Tourism and Sport of Thailand on Tuesday (Dec. 19), the Embassy and Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka in Bangkok said in a statement.

This visit was intended to congratulate the inauguration of the Minister of Tourism and Sports. Also, mentioned ongoing mutual cooperation. 

Minister Wangsuphakijkosol warmly welcomed Ambassador Chaminda Colonne, and the Ambassador congratulated the newly appointed Minister.

The Ambassador also requested the Ministry of Tourism and Sport of Thailand to encourage Thai investors to invest in the hospitality and tourism sectors in Sri Lanka, the statement added.

Mr. Colonne further highlighted that the Government of Sri Lanka has recently waived the visa-free for Thai nationality in order to promote Sri Lanka as a destination for Thai tourists.

All in all, the Minister of Tourism and Sports was welcome to encourage Two-Way Tourism with Sri Lanka through supporting each other and is confident that the exemption from visa checks with Thais will encourage more Thai tourists to travel to Sri Lanka, the Embassy and Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka in Bangkok said.

The invitation extended by Ambassador Chaminda Colonne to Minister Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol to visit Sri Lanka at a convenient time in the near future, was warmly accepted. 

Head of Chancery, A.W.S. Samanmali and the First Secretary (Commercial), Vireshika Bandara accompanied the Ambassador for the discussion.

Both discussed on ways to enhance Religious Tourism, and Two-Way Tourism exchanges through a creation of 

1. Sri Lankan discussed with the Tourism Authority of Thailand to prepare leaflets and video sets to promote new Buddhist attractions to be more famous.

2. Sri Lanka would like to invite Thai investors to invest in tourism and hotels in Sri Lanka. Therefore, Sri Lanka would like to ask for the support from Ministry of Tourism and Sport in helping to push forward and coordinate with relevant agencies to encourage more investors to invest in Sri Lanka.

3. Sri Lankan waives visa for Thai tourists to invite more visitors to Sri Lanka. In addition, there are airlines flying to Sri Lanka, both national and low cost airlines are available.