Businessman K. Jayakumar heads Sri Lanka-Thailand Society

British India Hotels Managing Director K. Jayakumar was unanimously appointed President of the Sri Lanka-Thailand Society at its 29th Annual General Meeting held on September 25, 2026, at the Grand Oriental Hotel, Colombo.

Sri Lanka and Thailand are marking 70 years of diplomatic relations this year. The milestone presents further opportunities to strengthen government-to-government relations and promote cultural, religious and economic ties between the two countries.

The AGM was held against the backdrop of longstanding friendship and close relations between Sri Lanka and Thailand, with the Society continuing to contribute towards strengthening people-to-people links.

The occasion was attended by Paitoon Mahapannaporn, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Thailand, along with distinguished guests and Society members.

The Society also welcomed the recent appointment of Chulamanee Chartsuwan as Secretary-General of the Colombo Plan. The appointment was recognised in the presence of the Thai Ambassador, embassy staff, distinguished guests and members.

The celebrations included the Excellence Grand Thai Night at Harbour View, Grand Oriental Hotel, bringing together representatives of the Thai diplomatic mission, Society members and other distinguished guests.

Reflecting on the Society’s activities during his tenure, Jayakumar said several initiatives had been undertaken, including the launch of its website to provide members with easier access to information on the Society’s activities and programmes.

The Society had also continued to maintain close relations with the Sri Lanka Thai Temple in Colombo.

As part of its community assistance initiatives, the Society provided more than 30 maternity kits to pregnant mothers receiving treatment at Mihintale Hospital during the Poson Poya period.

Thai Embassy staff were also invited to participate in the Mihintale Aloka Pooja.

“Some families who were devastated by Cyclone Ditwah were also provided with financial assistance during this time,” Jayakumar said.

He added that the Society was planning to donate a dialysis machine and was currently looking for a suitable hospital to receive the equipment.

One of the highlights of the previous term was the temporary ordination of nearly 100 Sri Lankans as Buddhist monks in Thailand for two weeks, he said.

“We also plan to expand its membership, targeting 500 members by next year.”