Organised with the support of the Royal Thai Embassy in Colombo to commemorate 70 years of diplomatic relations between Sri Lanka and Thailand, the Dialogue was held on 20 February 2026 at Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok.
The proceedings opened with remarks by Assistant Professor Dr. Jirayudh Sinthuphan (Center for South Asian Studies). The sessions were chaired by Dr. Pavithra Jayawardena, Head of the Department of International Relations, University of Colombo.
Middle Path in Governance: Ethical Governance, Civilisation and Transoceanic Connections, Knowledge Networks
Speakers: Prof. S. Chaminda Padmakumara (University of Colombo), Dr. George I. H. Cooke (University of Kelaniya), Dr. Somrak Chaisingkananont (Mahidol University) and Dr. Narut Charoensri (Chiang Mai University)
Discussant: Associate Professor Surat Horachaikul (Chulalongkorn University).
Middle Path in Trade and Economic Relations: Sustainable Economic Models, Climate Change, Intergenerational Justice and Long-Term Policy Planning
Speakers: Dr. Nadeesh de Silva (Open University of Sri Lanka), Mr. Hashan Wijesinghe (University of Kelaniya), Dr. Siriporn Somboonboorana (Walailak University) and Dr. Abdunrohman Mukem (Chulalongkorn University)
A special presentation by Ms. Pavithra Attanayake (Wildlife and Nature Protection Society of Sri Lanka) highlighted privately led conservation initiatives and their regional relevance.
The Dialogue reaffirmed the importance of middle-power cooperation, intellectual exchange, and regionally grounded policy thinking in navigating an increasingly complex global order.