State Minister Balasuriya discusses strengthening of relations with ASEAN countries

A meeting chaired by State Minister of Foreign Affairs Tharaka Balasuriya was held at the Ministry on 30 March on strengthening of relations between Sri Lanka and the ASEAN countries.

This was done with the participation of the Heads of Mission of the ASEAN countries based in Sri Lanka namely Head of Missions of Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand, Viet Nam and senior officials of the Ministry. All Island Buddhasasana Council Secretary the most Venerable Mugunuwela Anuruddha Thero also took part at the discussion on the invitation of the State Minister.

The discussion focused on strengthening connectivity with ASEAN countries including Buddhist religious connectivity that has existed for over thousands of years. State Minister Balasuriya stated that the exchange of visits could also include sharing the rich traditions and cultures of Sri Lanka and the ASEAN countries such as martial arts, Ayurveda and the arts. He added that the links established from the exchange of visits could lead to further collaboration between Sri Lanka and the ASEAN countries.

The Heads of Mission of ASEAN countries warmly welcomed the State Minister’s proposal on initiating visits of Sri Lankan Buddhist monks to ASEAN countries and strengthening Buddhist religious ties through a program connecting Sri Lankan Buddhist temples with leading Buddhist temples of ASEAN countries with the participation of the private sector.