PHNOM PENH – Sri Lanka has officially established its honorary consulate in Phnom Penh, with newly appointed honorary consul Pily Wong saying the move marks a milestone in the long-standing friendship and expanding cooperation between the countries.
The inauguration was attended by Secretary of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Un Kheang and Sri Lankan Ambassador to Cambodia Wijayanthi Edirisinghe.
During the event, Kheang recalled that relations between the nations date back more than 1,000 years through their shared Theravada Buddhist heritage. He said the establishment of the consulate comes as Cambodia seeks to strengthen dialogue and expand cooperation with Sri Lanka, according to state-owned news agency AKP.
Kheang said both countries have consistently supported one another in regional and multilateral forums, a partnership that has become increasingly important amid rapid changes in the global landscape that call for stronger dialogue, multilateralism and the peaceful resolution of international challenges.
He expressed confidence that the consulate would serve as an effective bridge between the two countries by promoting economic cooperation, facilitating trade and investment, boosting tourism, encouraging cultural and educational exchanges, and providing consular services to Sri Lankan nationals in Cambodia.
Wong said its establishment signifies a historic and formal elevation of relations between Sri Lanka and Cambodia.
"While our nations are geographically separated, our peoples have been united for centuries by profound spiritual and cultural bonds, most notably through the shared heritage of Theravada Buddhism," Wong said.
He said the inauguration is a powerful symbol of both countries translating those ancient, deeply rooted ties into modern, practical diplomacy.
"It demonstrates a mutual, concrete commitment by both governments to move beyond historical friendship into an era of active, strategic collaboration," he said.
Cambodia and Sri Lanka formally established diplomatic relations in 1952, but ties were severed during the Khmer Rouge regime before being restored in 1996.
Since then, relations have expanded across various sectors, supported by more frequent high-level visits and exchanges between leaders of the countries.
In 2019, then-Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena paid a state visit to Cambodia , during which he witnessed the signing of two memorandums of understanding alongside then-Prime Minister Hun Sen. The agreements covered political consultations between the foreign ministries and cooperation between the chambers of commerce of both countries.
Despite the growing diplomatic relationship, trade remains modest. Two-way trade reached $11.97 million in 2025 , with Sri Lankan exports totaling $7.94 million and imports from Cambodia amounting to $4.03 million.
With the establishment of the consulate, both countries hope to strengthen cooperation, particularly through tourism, trade and people-to-people exchanges.
In February, Ambassador Wijayanthi Edirisinghe met with Prime Minister Hun Manet, during which she reaffirmed Sri Lanka's commitment to strengthening relations.
She said Sri Lanka prioritizes cooperation in commerce, investment, education and tourism.
Consulate Expected to Strengthen Ties
Wong said the consulate will serve as a direct, on-the-ground bridge to facilitate relations between the countries.
He said his primary responsibilities will include facilitating economic engagement, providing consular support and promoting cultural exchanges and tourism.
He noted that in the past, efforts to pursue opportunities may have faced challenges because there was no dedicated local facilitator.
"Now, we have a centralized hub designed to actively identify and cultivate these synergies," he said.
"By deeply understanding the dynamic local landscape and possessing extensive networks across various sectors in Cambodia, the consulate can effectively connect Sri Lankan investors with Cambodian opportunities and vice versa."
Tourism and cultural exchange will also be a major focus of the consulate, Wong said, adding that it will play an important role in promoting the destinations and cultural heritage of both countries.
Looking ahead, Wong said he hopes that within five years the relationship will be marked by tangible, measurable growth.
"I hope to see a robust increase in our bilateral trade volumes, steady investments flowing in both directions, and a significant rise in tourism," he said.
"I also foresee a stronger, more integrated Sri Lankan expatriate community thriving within Cambodia's growing economy."
Cambodianess, which is operated by Cambodian Media Broadcasting Corporation, provides breaking, credible and impartial news on Cambodia's current affairs and around the world.
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