Our Story
The Sri Lanka–Thailand Society (SLTS) is a community-driven organization established in 1997 by Mr Gemunu Gunatilleke to nurture friendship, understanding, and goodwill between the peoples of Sri Lanka and Thailand. Rooted in shared cultural values and mutual respect, the Society brings together individuals, institutions, and communities to celebrate heritage, encourage dialogue, and strengthen people-to-people connections that transcend borders.
Founder
Mr Gemunu Gunatilleke
Mr Gemunu Gunatilleke was the Managing Partner of Ernst & Young Sri Lanka. He was a chartered accountant by profession and received professional training at the Cranfield Institute of Management in the U.K. and was in professional practice for over 40 years.
He was appointed to the boards of several banks and also chaired the audit sub-committee of DFCC Bank, among others. He was a director of several companies providing secretarial services, management consultancy, information technology, and internal audit services.
He also held a degree in science from the University of Ceylon and was a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka. He was also a dedicated Rotarian and a past district governor of Rotary International District 322 Sri Lanka.
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Mission
To strengthen friendship between Sri Lanka and Thailand through cultural exchange, community engagement, and meaningful collaboration.
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Vision
A future where the peoples of Sri Lanka and Thailand are connected through mutual respect, shared heritage, and lasting goodwill.
Our Journey Through the Years
Key milestones that shaped the Sri Lanka–Thailand Society
1997
Establishment of SLTS
The Sri Lanka–Thailand Society (SLTS) was founded by Mr. Gemunu Gunatilleke with the vision of strengthening cultural understanding and friendship between Sri Lanka and Thailand through people-to-people engagement.
2005
Leadership Continuity
Following the passing of the founder, leadership of the Society was carried forward by his wife, Mrs. Nirmalie Gunatilleke, who assumed the role of President and continued to uphold the founding values and mission of SLTS.
2024
New Chapter of Leadership
In 2024, Mr. Nihal Mallikaaratchi was appointed President of SLTS, guiding the Society into a new phase of growth while maintaining its strong cultural and diplomatic foundations.
2025
Continued Progress
In 2025, Deshabandu K. Jayakumar assumed the presidency, continuing the Society’s journey of fostering friendship, cultural exchange, and cooperation between Sri Lanka and Thailand.
Message from the Ambassador of Thailand to Sri Lanka
On behalf of the Royal Thai Embassy in Colombo, I extend my warm wishes to the Sri Lanka–Thailand Society on the occasion of its continued service in strengthening the friendship between our two nations. Sri Lanka and Thailand share a deep and timeless bond, rooted in shared cultural values, religious heritage, and people-to-people connections that long predate formal diplomatic relations.
Buddhism has played a significant role in shaping this enduring relationship. Since my arrival in Sri Lanka, I have witnessed with great appreciation the active role played by the Sri Lanka–Thailand Society in promoting cultural exchange, social service, and mutual understanding. The Society’s initiatives — including lectures, cultural events, community outreach, and educational programs — meaningfully contribute to bringing our peoples closer together.
The Royal Thai Embassy remains committed to supporting the Society in its efforts, and I look forward to further strengthening our close and cordial relations in the years ahead.
Paitoon Mahapannaporn
His Excellency
Ambassador of the Kingdom of Thailand to Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka – Thailand Ambassadors
Honouring the diplomats who strengthened bilateral relations between Sri Lanka and Thailand
Ambassadors of Sri Lanka Accredited to Thailand
- Mrs. Manel Abeyasekera
- Mr. D.G.I.G. Seneviratne
- Mr. R. Premaratne
- Mr. H.C. Gunawardena
- General Cecil Waidyaratna
- Dr. (Mrs.) Sarala Fernando
- Mr. K. Amunugama
- Mr. H.M.G.H. Palihakkara
- Mr. J.D.A. Wijewardena
- Prof. J.B. Dissanayake
- General Shantha Kottegoda
- Mrs. Shenuka Seneviratne
- Mrs. Samantha K. Jayasuriya
- Mrs. C.I. Colonine
- Mrs. E.A. Wijayanthi Edirisinghe
Ambassadors of Thailand Accredited to Sri Lanka
- Miss Ampha Bhadranawik
- Mr. Anat Suwana Wihok
- Mrs. Khajorn Sobhon
- Mr. Apinan Pavanarit
- Mr. Narin Pontham
- Mr. Samroeng Laksanasut
- Mr. Thakur Phanit
- Mr. Jern Tiyavanond
- Mr. Karn Chirandond
- Mr. Satchaphand Atthakor
- Mr. Thinakorn Kanasuta
- Mr. Poldej Worachat
- Mr. Nopporn Adchariyavanich
- Mrs. Chulamanee Chartsuwan
- Mr. Poj Harnpol
- Mr. Paitoon Mahapannaporn
Past Presidents & Executive Committee (1997–2025)
Members who served the Sri Lanka–Thailand Society since its inception in 1997
Presidents
- Gemunu Gunatilleke
- Nirmalie Gunatilleke
- Nihal Mallikaaratchi
Immediate Past President
- Nirmalie Gunatilleke
Vice Presidents
- Seneri de Silva
- Kumara Semage
- Nemsiri Mutukumara
- Dayasiri Warnakulasooriya
- Sarath de Silva
- Keerthi Senanayake
- Nihal Mallikaaratchi
- Chula de Silva
- Thilak Godamanne
- Lionel Fernando
- Wilson Wijegunaratne
Secretaries
- Upali S. Jayasekera
- G.M.A. de Silva
Assistant Secretaries
- Prof. Daya Edirisinghe
- Sumana Liyanage
- G.M.A. de Silva
- K.V.D.W. Wijegunaratne
- Prof. Gaminda Haegoda
- Jayantha Gunasekara
- Janaka Boteju
Treasurers
- Uditha Palihakkara
- Nihal Mallikaaratchi
- Sumana Liyanage
- Priyantha Peiris
- Sarath de Silva
- Deshabandu K. Jayakumar
Editors
- Upali S. Jayasekera
- G.M.A. de Silva
Auditors
- Kosala Wickremanayake
- Asoka G. Weerasekara
- Nimal Wijetunga
- Ranjith Maligasp
Vice Patrons
- Upali S. Jayasekera
- Kumara Semage
- Uditha Palihakkara
Committee Members (1997–2025)
- Bernard Ranasinghe
- D.D. Liyanage
- Keerthi Senanayake
- Anoma Herath
- Capt. Gamini Nanayakkara
- Sarath de Silva
- Chula de Silva
- Dayasiri Warnakulasooriya
- K.V.D.W. Wijegunaratne
- Dilki S. Wickremasekara
- Deshabandu K. Jayakumar
- Dr. Vijaya Corea
- Thilini Padmasakera
- R. Jayaweera
- Chandima de Silva
- Dinesh Moses
- Prof. Gaminda Haegoda
- Amare Wanigaratne
- Nedra Goonasekara
- Tissa Ruberu
- A.A. Silva
- Kanthi Perera
- Ananda Rajapakse
- Nihal Mallikaaratchi
- J.D.A. Wijewardena
- Tilak Fernando
- Kammon Pomsuline
- Nihal Abeygoonewardena
- Tilak Godamanne
- Lionel Fernando
- Rohan Elgiriya Withana
- Prof. Daya Edirisinghe
- Chandra Jayatilleke
- Dilrukshi Edirisinghe
- Jayantha Gunasekara
- Ruwan P. Gallage
- Prabhath Kaushallya
- Arjuna Yatawara
- Asoka G. Weerasekara
- Tyronne Marshall
- Dr. Malini Dias
- Berty Wickremapala
- F.D. Balasuriya
- Uditha Palihakkara
- Chitral Jayawardena
- Bundit Saralamba
- G.M.A. de Silva
- V.K.J. Ramanayake
- B.H. Passaperuma
- Ayoma Wijesundera
- Thusitha Munindradasa
- Dr. Buddhima Subasinghe
- N.B.S. Ubesiri
- A.A. Nizam
- Dr. W.A. Wijewardena
- Dr. Sanjeewa Jayasinghe
- Wilson Gunaratne
- D.S.K. Pathirana
- Ranjith Laksiri
- Janaka Boteju