Sri Lanka Inaugurates its First Honorary Consulate in Cambodia, Marking a New Chapter in Bilateral Relations

Marking a significant milestone in the longstanding friendship between Sri Lanka and  Cambodia and reaffirming the shared commitment to further strengthen bilateral  cooperation, the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka officially inaugurated its  first Honorary Consulate in the Kingdom of Cambodia on 05 August 2026 at the historic  Raffles Hotel Le Royal in Phnom Penh. 

The ceremony formally marked the appointment of Pily Wong as the Honorary Consul  of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka in the Kingdom of Cambodia. On  behalf of the Government of Sri Lanka, Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the Kingdom of  Cambodia E.A.S. Wijayanthi Edirisinghe presented the Letter of Appointment to Pily  Wong, officially inaugurating Sri Lanka’s first Honorary Consulate in Cambodia. 

The inauguration ceremony, held under the theme “Building Stronger Ties, Shared  Prosperity – Sri Lanka & Cambodia,” was graced by Secretary of State of the Ministry of  Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Cambodia, Dr. UN Kheang, as the  Guest of Honour. The event was attended by Ambassadors and Heads of Diplomatic  Missions, Honorary Consuls, senior representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs  and International Cooperation, the Ministry of Interior and other institutions of the  Royal Government of Cambodia, representatives of the business community, and  members of the Sri Lankan community residing in Cambodia. 

Delivering the welcome remarks, Honorary Consul of Sri Lanka in Cambodia, Pily  Wong expressed his appreciation to the Government of Sri Lanka for the confidence  placed in him through his appointment as the first Honorary Consul of Sri Lanka in  Cambodia. He reaffirmed his commitment to working closely with the Embassy of Sri  Lanka in Bangkok and the Royal Government of Cambodia to promote bilateral  relations, facilitate trade, investment and tourism, foster business and people-to-people  linkages, and assist Sri Lankan nationals in Cambodia. 

Addressing the gathering, Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the Kingdom of Cambodia, E.A.S. Wijayanthi Edirisinghe highlighted that the inauguration of the Honorary  Consulate marked the beginning of a new chapter in Sri Lanka–Cambodia relations. She  noted that although diplomatic relations were established in 1952, the friendship  between the two countries dated back many centuries, founded upon their shared  Theravada Buddhist heritage, longstanding cultural exchanges, ancient maritime trade  links and enduring people-to-people connections. 

The Ambassador noted that Sri Lanka–Cambodia relations had gained renewed  momentum in recent years through high-level exchanges, expanding political dialogue  and growing economic cooperation. She emphasized that the establishment of Sri  Lanka’s first Honorary Consulate in Cambodia reflected the importance attached by the  Government of Sri Lanka to further strengthening bilateral relations and expressed  confidence that it would serve as a focal point for promoting trade, investment, tourism  and business partnerships, while complementing the work of the Embassy of Sri Lanka  in Bangkok and providing greater support to Sri Lankan nationals residing in or visiting  Cambodia.

The Ambassador also commended Honorary Consul of Sri Lanka in Cambodia, Pily  Wong for his dedicated service prior to his formal appointment. She noted that he had  worked closely with the Embassy in assisting Sri Lankan nationals in Cambodia by  coordinating with the Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International  Cooperation, the Ministry of Interior, immigration authorities and other relevant  agencies on consular matters, including the repatriation of Sri Lankan nationals,  facilitating Emergency Travel Documents and travel arrangements, and providing  assistance in sensitive cases involving deceased Sri Lankan nationals. 

Delivering remarks as the Guest of Honour, Secretary of State of the Ministry of Foreign  Affairs and International Cooperation of Cambodia, Dr. UN Kheang underscored the  importance of further strengthening the bonds of friendship and bilateral relations  between Cambodia and Sri Lanka. He noted that the establishment of the Honorary  Consulate represented an important step in deepening Cambodia–Sri Lanka relations  and would serve as an effective bridge for promoting economic cooperation, business  and tourism, enhancing people-to-people exchanges, and providing consular assistance  to citizens of both countries. 

Reflecting the profound cultural affinity between the two countries, particularly their  shared Theravada Buddhist heritage, the ceremony featured the traditional Robam  Choun Por (Blessing Dance) performed by the Royal Ballet of Cambodia, symbolizing  blessings for peace, prosperity and the success of the newly established Honorary  Consulate. The official ceremony was followed by a reception showcasing the rich  culinary traditions of Sri Lanka. 

The Honorary Consulate marked a new chapter in Sri Lanka–Cambodia relations and  would serve to strengthen bilateral cooperation, expand economic engagement and  enhance consular services for Sri Lankan nationals.