On 18 July 2012, H.E. Mr. Poldej Worachat, Ambassador of Thailand to Sri Lanka, and staffs of the Royal Thai Embassy visited Ratnapura which is renowned as the most important gem-mining centre of Sri Lanka.

Ambassador Worachat took a study tour to a gem mine to learn about the gem-mining process. Ambassador Worachat also met and had an informal meeting with a group of 14 Thai people who were at Ratnapura during the visit, most of whom have been in the gem trade for a long time. Moreover, Ambassador paid a courtesy call on Mr. W. J. M. Lokubandara, Governor of Sabaragamuwa Province and former Speaker of the Parliament of Sri Lanka, at the Governor’s official residence in Ratnapura. Governor Lokubandara also hosted a luncheon in honour of Ambassador Worachat in a warm and cordial atmosphere.