Mr. Mahinda Rajapaksa, President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, is scheduled to pay a working visit to Thailand from 29 May - 2 June 2012. He is scheduled to have the royal audience with Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn on 30 May 2012 and a meeting with the Thai Prime Minister in order to exchange views on bilateral relations, as well as on regional and multilateral issues, on the same day.
In addition, the President is also scheduled to attend the opening ceremony of the Day of Vesak Celebration in Ayutthaya Province, as invited by the Organizing Committee of Vesak chaired by Mr. Yongyoot Wichaidit, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior.
The last Presidential visit was in 2004 when the President of Sri Lanka attended the inaugural BIMSTEC Summit convened in Thailand.
Thailand views that there is room for further expansion in trade and investment, particularly as Sri Lanka is focusing its resources for development. Sri Lanka is therefore emerging as an attractive market and investment destination. Potential areas for cooperation include infrastructure development, tourism and related businesses, food processing, agricultural industry and consumer products.
For further information, please contact the Press Division, Department of Information, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Tel.02-6435170, Fax.02-6435169, E-mail: div0704@mfa.go.th