Genetic studies point to the Philippines being the destination of immigrants from South Asia (Sri Lanka included).

[1] The proliferation of Sanskrit and Tamil words in Filipino languages show the influence South Asia had in the establishment of Hindu and Buddhist kingdoms in the Philippines.

The epic of Ramanaya which is set in Sri Lanka has a localized version named Maharadia Lawana, performed among the Maranao people.

Rizal visited the Oriental Hotel and Temple of the Buddha which for the first time, saw how Sri Lankan Sinhalese Buddhists prayed.

The Philippines, as a founding member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), also contributed to the decision to reopen its embassy.