Cambodia Officially Inaugurates Sri Lankan Honorary Consulate, Boosting Bilateral Ties

PHNOM PENH, August 5, 2026 – The Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka has officially inaugurated its Honorary Consulate in the Kingdom of Cambodia. The opening ceremony took place on the morning of August 5, 2026, at the Raffles Hotel Le Royal in Phnom Penh. The event was presided over by H.E. Aun Khang, Secretary of State, representing H.E. Prak Sokhonn, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Kingdom of Cambodia, and H.E. E.A.S. Wijayanthi Edirisinghe, Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the Kingdom of Cambodia. Many diplomats, government officials, and business leaders were in attendance. H.E. Aun Khang, Secretary of State, stated during the inauguration that this event marks another significant achievement and a historical page in the long-standing friendship between the two countries. It also reflects their shared commitment to further expanding bilateral cooperation in the coming years. He highlighted that Cambodia-Sri Lanka relations have a history of over 1,000 years, rooted in their shared Theravada Buddhist heritage. The establishment of the Honorary Consulate is a timely step to promote dialogue and enhance bilateral cooperation. Beyond bilateral cooperation, Cambodia and Sri Lanka consistently support each other in regional and multilateral forums. This cooperation is increasingly crucial as the world faces rapid changes in the international landscape, requiring joint efforts to strengthen dialogue, multilateralism, and the peaceful resolution of international challenges. H.E. the Secretary of State expressed confidence that the Sri Lankan Honorary Consulate will serve as an effective bridge connecting Cambodia and Sri Lanka. It aims to promote economic cooperation, facilitate trade and investment, boost tourism, encourage cultural and educational exchanges, and provide valuable consular services and assistance to Sri Lankan citizens residing in Cambodia. Mr. Pily Wong, Honorary Consul of Sri Lanka to the Kingdom of Cambodia, stated that this day is a most meaningful historical page, not only for himself personally but also for the diplomatic, economic, and cultural relations between these two great nations. Despite the geographical distance, both peoples share deep cultural and religious ties through Theravada Buddhism. The newly established Honorary Consulate will act as a crucial bridge to promote bilateral trade, cross-border investment, and tourism development, enhance people-to-people exchanges, provide essential consular services and assistance, and serve as a "warm home" for Sri Lankan citizens living in or visiting the Kingdom of Cambodia. By Touch Voleak © National News Agency of Cambodia 2018