The building which previously housed the Royal Thai Embassy in Colombo, located in the vicinity of the Colombo Town Hall, has been transformed by the Royal Thai Embassy into a multifunctional cultural center called “siam nivasa”. Siam Nivasa – or in Thai Language ‘Siam Nivas’ means the home of Thai people: Nivas – is Sanskrit-root word means Home, house, residence and Siam is the old name for Thai or Thailand. The Thai Government purchased this building and land in 1980s and has used it as the Embassy. Later on, due to the political situation and the security concerns, the Embassy was relocated several times from Green Lanka, Building at Wijerama, to the current location at Sir Marcus Fernando Mawatha – next door to the Office of the Opposition Leader and the Residence of Madam Rosy – Mayor of Colombo. Now the embassy is well under way of reviving the building back to life. The new facility will function as a cultural centre and a venue for events and activities to promote and grow the historic, warm and friendly relations between Thailand and Sri Lanka.
On the 26th of September 2022, a special inauguration event was held to mark the opening of Siam Nivasa. The event included a Hoon-Kra-Bork or traditional Thai puppet show and a Traditional Musical performance followed by the workshop of the Thai Puppetry Art. In addition, the participants were given an opportunity to enjoy dedicated traditional Thai cuisines and desserts at the end of the workshop.
Commenting on the occasion, H.E. Poj Harnpol, the Thai Ambassador to Sri Lanka said, “Having enjoyed exceptionally warm diplomatic ties with Sri Lanka since 1955, the Kingdom of Thailand is very proud to unveil the new Siam Nivasa Multifunctional Cultural Venue. It is time that we had a dedicated space to celebrate the cordial friendship between our two countries, while also providing a functional venue for various occasions that can be used by Sri Lankans and Thai nationals in Sri Lanka. It is with great pleasure that I, on behalf of the Government of Thailand, thank all those who attended the inauguration ceremony, especially the ASEAN Ambassadors and Heads of Mission, who helped us mark this milestone with their valued and honoured presence. We look forward to working together with Sri Lanka and our other diplomatic partners, as we continue to spread awareness about the Thai culture around the world.”
The inauguration event of the Royal Thai Embassy’s Siam Nivasa Multifunctional Cultural Venue was attended by a number of diplomats and dignitaries, including High Commissioner of Malaysia, H.E. Tan Yang Thai and Spouse, Ambassador of South Korea, H.E. Jeong Woonjin and Spouse, Ambassador of Myanmar, H.E. Han Thu, Ambassador of Indonesia, H.E Dewi Gustina Tobing, Ambassador of Vietnam, H.E. Ho Thi Thanh Truc, and High Commissioner of Bangladesh, H.E. Tareq Md. Ariful Islam. Also present at the occasion were Deputy High Commissioner of India Mr. Vinod K Jacob, Additional Solicitor General, Attorney-at-Law Mr. Raveendra Pathiranage PC, Deputy Chief of Protocol at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Ahmed Razee, Director General of South East Asia at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr Satya Rodrigo, Legal Officer at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mrs. Kumudunie Abeykoon, and Personal Assistant to the Palestine Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Ms. Khairy Cader Omar.
Marking the occasion, and in a display of Thai-Sri Lanka friendship, a separate rendition of the Hoon- Kra-Bork Thai Puppet Show and the Special Thai musical performance was also conducted on the 27th of September at the new Auditorium of the New Building of the Colombo Municipal Council at Colombo Town Hall, where the Mayor of Colombo, Her Worship Rosy Senanayake gracing the occasion.