– The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has clarified that Thai Deputy Prime Minister Suphajee Suthumpun visited Sri Lanka in her private capacity to participate in the enshrinement ceremony at the Mihintale temple alongside Buddhist devotees.

In a statement, the Ministry said the Thai Embassy had requested access to the VIP lounge and other courtesies for her visit, and these facilities had been provided by the Sri Lankan authorities as requested.The statement noted that no other officials accompanied the Deputy Prime Minister, as the visit was exclusively to attend the religious ceremony in a private capacity.The Ministry also said Suthumpun had made similar private visits to Sri Lanka in the past to participate in religious activities.