BANGKOK:The Embassy and Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka in Bangkok celebrated Deepavali 2026
with a ceremony at the Embassy premises on 10 November 2026, bringing together members
of the Sri Lankan community and Thai friends to mark the Festival of Lights.
The celebration commenced with the lighting of the traditional oil lamp, symbolising the
triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. Hindu priests from Sri Maha Mariamman
Temple in Bangkok conducted religious rituals and a pooja, invoking blessings for peace,
prosperity and well-being for the Sri Lankan and Thai communities.
In her welcome remarks, the Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Thailand and Permanent
Representative to UNESCAP, Wijayanthi Edirisinghe, extended Deepavali greetings to those
present and expressed appreciation to the Hindu priests for conducting the religious
observances. She highlighted the significance of Deepavali as a celebration of light, knowledge
and righteousness, reflecting the values of compassion, forgiveness, hope and unity.
Referring to the Deepavali message of the President of Sri Lanka, Anura Kumara Disanayaka,
the Ambassador emphasised the importance of fostering love, compassion, brotherhood and
humanity. She also highlighted the President’s call to build a just and compassionate society
founded on coexistence, equality and mutual respect, while respecting religious and cultural
identities. The Ambassador further underscored the significance of Deepavali in Sri Lanka’s
multi-religious and multicultural society and its contribution to promoting communal
harmony and strengthening relations between Sri Lanka and Thailand.
The celebration was attended by the members of the Sri Lankan community in Thailand.
Invitees included officials from the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia
and the Pacific (UNESCAP), Asian Disaster Preparedness Center (ADPC), members of the
Thai–Sri Lanka Chamber of Commerce, representatives of the Thai business community,
members of the Sri Lanka Association in Bangkok, academics and students from Universities
in Thailand, reflecting the strong community ties and enduring friendship between the two
countries.
Embassy staff presented two devotional songs in praise of Lord Krishna. Guests were also
served traditional Tamil sweets and delicacies, accompanied by Ceylon Tea showcasing Sri
Lanka’s rich culinary heritage and renowned hospitality.
The Deepavali celebration provided a meaningful opportunity for the Sri Lankan community
in Thailand and their Thai friends to come together in the spirit of faith, friendship and cultural
appreciation. It also reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s commitment to preserving its rich multi-religious
and multicultural heritage while fostering mutual understanding, harmony and closer peopleto-people connections between Sri Lanka and Thailand.
Embassy and Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka
Bangkok
13 November 202
