Golden Links between Myanmar and Sri Lanka after 1988

Myanmar and Sri Lank had contacts since Buddha era. Their relations dated back to hundreds of years. From 1989 to 2004, there were no significant relations between the two countries. However, Myanmar and Sri Lanka had close contacts through exchange visits of the Heads of the State of the two countries. As the years 2009 was the sixtieth anniversary of Myanmar- Sri Lanka diplomatic relations (1949-2009), closer relations through reciprocal state visits between the two countries were found. After 1988, Myanmar Government practiced market- oriented economic reforms promoted external trade and foreign direct investment. Myanmar and Sir Lanka also attempted to extend economic ties through various trade missions and concluding some trade agreements. After 1988, Myanmar-Sri Lanka social relations became closer than the past. Since Myanmar-Sri Lanka Buddhist Association was founded in Myanmar in 1990 and Sri Lanka Association in Myanmar was formed in 1996, the people of the two countries had smoother social co-operations. Although Myanmar and Sri Lanka are not adjacent neighbouring countries, their long-lasting religious relation is the main factor behind the golden links between the two countries throughout the successive governments.