PM’s visit strengthens SL, Thai ties – Opposition leader

The visit of Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra strengthens the close ties between Sri Lanka and Thailand, Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe said in Parliament yesterday.

He said the two countries are closely interlinked based on trade, rice cultivation and Theravada Buddhism.

“We are commemorating the 260th anniversary of the arrival of Siam Nikaya. Theravada Buddhism was brought to Sri Lanka from Thailand. Lots of craftsmen from Gampola have gone to Thailand with Buddhist monks. They have developed crafts in Thailand. Later, Upali Thera arrived in Sri Lanka 260 years ago with Theravada Buddhism,” he said.

The Opposition leader said however during the regime of Rama the fifth, a great service was done to re-establish Buddhism.

“The link between Thailand and Sri Lanka is not only based on Theravada Buddhism. Both countries are also part of the silk route. Both countries have a 2.5 billion population that has a good opportunity for trade. We are the only two Theravada Buddhist democracies in the world,” he said.

“Thailand is the only country in the world that has a Buddhist Monarch. I wish them long life. I am very pleased to second the motion moved by the government,” Wickremesinghe said.