A top honour has been awarded to Sri Lanka's outgoing envoy in Manila. Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. conferred the Order of Sikatuna, with the rank of Grand Cross, on Ambassador Chanaka Talpahewa.
The Sri Lankan Embassy in the Philippines stated that the ceremony took place during Talpahewa's farewell call at Malacañang Palace on October 28, 2026. Established in 1953, the award is the national diplomatic merit honour of the Philippines.
Political and High-Level Milestones
During his assignment, Ambassador Talpahewa worked to boost ties between the two nations. A major highlight was restarting political consultations after they had been suspended for five years.
High-level links also grew stronger under his watch. The Philippines hosted official visits by Sri Lankan Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya and Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath.
Trade, Visas, and Cultural Steps
Talpahewa also secured key economic moves. He helped Sri Lankan firms make their first manufacturing investments in the Philippines and brought two internationally recognised Sri Lankan brands into the local market.
For the community, he negotiated a five-year temporary residence visa scheme for Sri Lankans married to Philippine citizens. His work also saw the setting up of the first Sri Lankan Honorary Consulate in the country, the first exposition of sacred relics from Sri Lanka, and plans for the first-ever joint postage stamps.
