The Sri Lanka Embassy in Thailand together with the Institute of Asian Studies of the Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok co-hosted an event at the latter to mark the 65th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

The launch of a travelogue written by Ballobh Krityanavaj, in traditional Thai Niras/Nirat poems titled ‘Sri Lanka Charika Kavya’, was the highlight of the celebrations. The first copy of the book was presented to the Chief Guest, Minister of Culture of Thailand Ittipol Khunplume. The message issued on the anniversary by Prime Minister and Minister for Culture, Buddha Sasana and Religious Affairs Mahinda Rajapaksa, was read by Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to Thailand Samantha K. Jayasuriya.

Through the Niiras poems, the author expresses his feelings on his tours around Sri Lankan Buddhist Trails and other places, as well as activities of interest to a Thai traveller. Given the parallels in providing eloquent descriptions on places, nature, people en route to a particular destination, by both the Niiras Poems and the Sri Lankan ‘Sandesha Kavya’, the audience was entertained with the recital of Niras poems in Thai language, and poems from the ‘Mayura Sandeshaya’ and the ‘Selalihini Sandeshaya’, demonstrating the rhythmic variations of the poems.

Commerce Counsellor of the Embassy Anil Sirimanna facilitated the editorial board in the preparatory process of the book launch, and the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) has supported the book, as a tool of promoting Sri Lankan Buddhist Trails among the Thai Public. Copies of the book will accordingly be widely distributed among schools, libraries, Buddhist temples and travel agents in Thailand, promoting Sri Lanka tourism.

Following another successful event of cultural diplomacy launched by the Embassy, the participants enjoyed traditional Sri Lankan food and refreshments arranged by the staff.