COLOMBO : Outgoing Sri Lankan Ambassador to the Philippines, Dr. Chanaka Talpahewa, was conferred
the Order of Sikatuna, with the rank of Grand Cross, by Philippine President Ferdinand R.
Marcos Jr., in recognition of his contribution to strengthening relations between Sri Lanka
and the Philippines. The distinction was conferred when Ambassador Talpahewa paid his
farewell call on the President at Malacañang Palace on 28 October 2026.
During his tenure, Ambassador Talpahewa focused on broadening bilateral engagement
across diplomatic, economic and cultural spheres. A significant achievement was the
successful resumption of Political Consultations between Sri Lanka and the Philippines after
a five-year hiatus, restoring an important mechanism for structured bilateral dialogue.
His tenure also witnessed successful visits to the Philippines by Prime Minister, Dr. Harini
Amarasuriya, and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Vijitha Herath, further strengthening highlevel engagement and bilateral cooperation.
In the economic sphere, Ambassador Talpahewa facilitated the first investments by Sri
Lankan companies in the Philippines’ manufacturing sector and played an instrumental role
in introducing two internationally recognised Sri Lankan brands to the Philippine market. He
also successfully negotiated a five-year Temporary Residence Visa arrangement for Sri
Lankan nationals married to Philippine citizens and residing in the Philippines, addressing a
longstanding concern of the Sri Lankan community.
His initiatives also extended to cultural diplomacy and people-to-people relations. These
included establishing Sri Lanka’s first Honorary Consulate in the Philippines and organising
the country’s first exposition of sacred relics from Sri Lanka. He also initiated the process for
issuing the first-ever joint postage stamps between Sri Lanka and the Philippines, further
strengthening ties between the two countries.
In conferring the distinction, Ambassador Talpahewa was recognised as “an exceptionally
worthy and competent representative of the Government of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri
Lanka in the Philippines.”
Established in 1953, the Order of Sikatuna is the Philippines’ national order of diplomatic
merit, recognising distinguished service in advancing relations between the Philippines and
other countries.
Embassy of Sri Lanka
The Philippines
04 November 202
November 4, 2026
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