Busy street in Sri Lanka with people, shops and traffic - symbol of trade and cooperation 2025

Thailand and Sri Lanka deepen cooperation – health tourism, investments and Buddhist cultural heritage in focus

2025-03-30

Thailand and Sri Lanka are taking new steps to strengthen their bilateral ties in healthcare, tourism and investment. This year, the countries celebrate 70 years of diplomatic relations since they were established in 1955, and they are marking the anniversary with a series of joint initiatives.

A meeting was recently held in Colombo between Thailand's Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Paitoon Mahapannaporn , and Sri Lanka's Minister of Health Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa , where expanded cooperation in key areas was discussed – reports Sri Lanka's official media portal media.gov.lk.

Orthopedic collaborative project in Kandy improves healthcare

As part of the anniversary celebrations, an orthopedic skills development project is being launched at the National Hospital in Kandy . The project aims to enable advanced surgical procedures and promote knowledge exchange between Thai and Sri Lankan orthopedic surgeons. According to the Sri Lankan Ministry of Health, this is a concrete step towards strengthening the healthcare sector and providing better access to specialist surgery in the country.

Ambassador Mahapannaporn expressed admiration for Sri Lanka's progress in healthcare and assured that the Thai government will continue its support, especially in areas where Thailand has long experience – such as medical tourism.

Thailand has long been one of the world’s top destinations for health and wellness travel, making it a natural partner. The collaboration also includes cultural exchange, such as the recent Ayurvedic Health and Tourism Week organized by the Sri Lankan Embassy in Bangkok, where Thai visitors were able to try traditional Sri Lankan medicine first-hand, the Sri Lankan Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported.

More Thai investments in Sri Lanka

Another key point in the talks was how Thai investment in Sri Lanka could increase. According to Sri Lanka's Board of Investment, negotiations are already underway with Thai companies in hotels, food processing, logistics and gemstone processing - sectors where Sri Lanka wants to attract more foreign players.

The recently implemented free trade agreement between the countries, which came into effect in January 2025 , has opened up easier trade conditions and simplified customs procedures. Thai companies have been identified as strategic partners in this opening, including in agriculture and the export of fruits, tea and spices.

Buddhist heritage as a bridge between peoples

To strengthen tourism, both countries want to focus on highlighting their shared Buddhist cultural heritage . Buddhism has served as a cultural bridge between the countries for centuries. According to the Sri Lankan embassy in Bangkok, over 800 years of cultural and religious exchange between Thailand and Sri Lanka have laid the foundation for a stable friendship, which is now being further developed in the form of concrete initiatives in tourism and culture. Since 2024, visa-free travel has also been in effect in both directions : Thai citizens can travel to Sri Lanka without a visa, and Sri Lankan citizens are covered by Thailand's extended visa exemption, which allows stays of up to 60 days. This facilitates both tourism and business travel and is expected to further strengthen people-to-people exchanges.

Towards a long-term partnership

The meeting in Colombo confirmed the strong and growing cooperation between Thailand and Sri Lanka. Through cooperation in health tourism, investment and cultural exchange, it is hoped to create a sustainable platform for mutual growth.

Both authorities and private actors in each country see the potential in deepening ties – not just to mark a diplomatic anniversary, but to build a future-oriented partnership with benefits for both populations.

Kandy Lake and Temple of the Tooth in Sri Lanka – place of Buddhist tradition and cultural ties with Thailand — Sri Lanka and Thailand not only share trade interests – they are also united by their Buddhist tradition, in which the city of Kandy plays an important role. It is home to the world-famous Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa), one of the holiest Buddhist temples in the world. During the anniversary year of 2025, Kandy serves as a symbolic place for the deepening cooperation between the countries – both culturally, religiously and diplomatically.

Sources:

Text: Editorial team

Image license: MalakaSL, Pixabay , Original image

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