DIPLOMATIC TIES. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. honors outgoing Sri Lankan Ambassador to the Philippines Chanaka Harsha Talpahewa for his contributions to strengthening Philippine-Sri Lanka relations during the envoy’s farewell call at Malacañang Palace on Wednesday (Oct. 28, 2026). Marcos conferred on Talpahewa the Order of Sikatuna, Rank of Datu (Grand Cross), Silver Distinction, in recognition of his contributions to strengthening bilateral relations between the Philippines and Sri Lanka. (Photo courtesy of PCO)
MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. honored outgoing Sri Lankan Ambassador to the Philippines Chanaka Harsha Talpahewa for his contributions to strengthening Philippine-Sri Lanka relations.
During the envoy’s farewell call at Malacañang Palace on Wednesday, Marcos conferred on Talpahewa the Order of Sikatuna, Rank of Datu (Grand Cross), Silver Distinction, in recognition of his contributions to strengthening bilateral relations between the Philippines and Sri Lanka.
The citation also recognized Talpahewa “[f]or his outstanding and dedicated service in the field of international relations and for having been an exceptionally worthy and competent representative of the government of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka in the Philippines.”
During his tenure, Talpahewa helped deepen bilateral ties, including by facilitating Sri Lanka’s first investments in the Philippines through Haycarb PLC, a leading activated carbon manufacturer, and Jaindi Exports, a coconut processing company. Their investments were established in the Visayas and Mindanao.
The Philippines and Sri Lanka established formal diplomatic relations on Jan. 11, 1961. (Darryl John Esguerra/PNA)
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