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 people-to-people connections between Sri Lanka and Thailand.

Embassy and Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka

Bangkok 
13  November 2026