Ambassador of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka to the Kingdom of Cambodia with residence in Bangkok, E.A.S. Wijayanthi Edirisinghe, undertook a series of high-level and community engagements in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, focusing on further strengthening Sri Lanka–Cambodia bilateral relations, expanding cooperation in areas of mutual interest, and promoting the welfare and interests of Sri Lankan nationals residing in Cambodia.

During the visit, the Ambassador paid a courtesy call on Permanent Secretary of State of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Cambodia, EAT Sophea. The two sides expressed satisfaction with the longstanding and mutually beneficial relations between Sri Lanka and Cambodia, sustained since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1952 and underpinned by shared cultural and religious heritage, particularly the Theravada Buddhist tradition.

The two sides discussed avenues to further expand bilateral cooperation in priority areas, including trade and investment, tourism, culture, consular matters and people-to-people connectivity. The Ambassador highlighted Sri Lanka’s interest in strengthening economic engagement with Cambodia and promoting greater interaction between the business communities of the two countries. The potential for enhanced cooperation in tourism, including religious and cultural tourism, was also discussed.

The Ambassador reiterated Sri Lanka’s interest in convening the First Round of Bilateral Political Consultations between the two Foreign Ministries before the end of 2026, in accordance with the Memorandum of Understanding on Bilateral Political Consultations signed in 2019. The proposed consultations would provide a platform to identify new areas of cooperation and further deepen bilateral relations. The two sides also discussed the importance of strengthening high-level exchanges and institutional engagement.

Permanent Secretary of State EAT Sophea briefed the Ambassador on the latest developments concerning the Cambodia–Thailand border situation and reaffirmed Cambodia’s commitment to resolving the matter through peaceful means, in accordance with international law and existing agreements.

Following the meeting, the Ambassador held discussions with officials of the Consular Affairs Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Cambodia on matters concerning Sri Lankan nationals in Cambodia, particularly those currently in custody. The discussions focused on the status and welfare of the Sri Lankan nationals concerned, consular assistance, outstanding immigration matters, and continued coordination between the relevant authorities to facilitate their repatriation, where appropriate.

The Ambassador subsequently met with Chief of Mission of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Cambodia, Nellie Ghusayni, to discuss the situation of Sri Lankan nationals stranded in Cambodia. The discussions focused on the welfare and immediate needs of the affected Sri Lankan nationals and the importance of expediting their safe and timely repatriation to Sri Lanka. The Ambassador also sought IOM’s support in coordinating with the relevant Cambodian authorities, including resolving outstanding immigration matters and exploring the possibility of waiving fines arising from overstaying without the appropriate visa, to facilitate their return to Sri Lanka.

As part of her engagement with the Sri Lankan community in Cambodia, the Ambassador met with members of the community at the newly established Honorary Consulate of Sri Lanka in Cambodia. The gathering provided an opportunity for an open exchange of views on the experiences and concerns of Sri Lankan nationals living and working in Cambodia, as well as ways in which the community could contribute to Sri Lanka’s economic and national development.

The Ambassador encouraged the Sri Lankan community to strengthen its links with the Embassy of Sri Lanka and make greater use of its knowledge, professional expertise and business networks to promote trade, investment, tourism and other mutually beneficial linkages between Sri Lanka and Cambodia. The discussion also explored the establishment of a Sri Lanka Business Chamber in Cambodia as a platform to bring together Sri Lankan businesses and professionals, facilitate business-to-business engagement, and contribute to the expansion of commercial relations between the two countries.

The establishment of the Honorary Consulate was welcomed as an important step in strengthening Sri Lanka’s institutional presence in Cambodia and facilitating closer engagement with the Sri Lankan community and Cambodian stakeholders. Honorary Consul of Sri Lanka in Cambodia, Pily Wong, the first Honorary Consul appointed by the Government of Sri Lanka to Cambodia, is expected to play an important role in promoting bilateral trade, investment, tourism, cultural exchanges and people-to-people connectivity, while supporting the Embassy in matters concerning Sri Lankan nationals in Cambodia.

The engagements undertaken by the Ambassador during her visit reflected Sri Lanka’s continued commitment to deepening its longstanding friendship with Cambodia, expanding practical cooperation in areas of mutual interest, and strengthening support and engagement with the Sri Lankan community in Cambodia.

The Ambassador was accompanied by Minister Counsellor/Head of Chancery of the Embassy, Thilini Ihalage, and Honorary Consul of Sri Lanka in Cambodia, Pily Wong.

Embassy and Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka
Bangkok

12 August 2026