On completion of Presentation of Credentials, His Excellency Admiral Thisara Samarasinghe had the opportunity of calling on Hon. Peter O’neill at the Prime Minister’s Office. The High Commissioner was warmly welcome by the Hon. Prime Minister and at the outset Hon. Prime Minister recalled the friendly and cordial interaction the Prime Minister had with His Excellency Mahinda Rajapaksa during the visit to CHOGM 2011 in Perth.
Having explained the post conflict development work and the reconciliation initiatives, the High Commissioner briefed on the progress made with the CHOGM 2013-Sri Lanka and the challenges aired by certain quarters who are attempting to create an environment with false and unsubstantiated information.
The Prime Minister very strongly denounced such attempts and indicated support of his government for the CHOGM 2013 Colombo. He specifically indicated his keen interest to visit Sri Lanka to attend the major Commonwealth event and also to travel in Sri Lanka in order to get firsthand knowledge of the new harbor and airport development as well as on water reservoirs and climate change issues. The Prime Minister has taken a further step forward in releasing a special media release after the High Commissioner’s visit highlighting the conduct of Sri Lankan government and acknowledging that it would be good example for other Commonwealth countries to follow.
The meeting was attended by the Chief Staff of the Prime Minister and Mr. Wasantha Kumarasinghe, Hony. Consul for Sri Lanka in PNG.
Admiral Thisara Samarasinghe presented with two special gifts signifying gems and tea of Sri Lanka to Hon. Prime Minister.
In addition His Excellency called on the following :-
- Foreign Minister and Immigration Hon. Rimbink Pato, LLB, OBE,
- Deputy Chief of PNG Defence Force Captain Tim Orr,
- Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry Hon. Richard Maru,
- High Commissioner of Malaysia and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps Her Excellency Madam Datin Blench Olbery.
Hony. Consul Mr. Wasantha Kumarasiri hosted a dinner reception to all Head of Missions which was attended by Head of Missions of USA, Australia, Indonesia, France, Japan, China, EU, Fiji, Malaysia, New Zealand and Secretary of Foreign Affairs of PNG, Chief of Protocol.
Hon. Peter O’Neill issued a special Media Press Release covering the meeting with the High Commissioner.
High Commission of Sri Lanka
Canberra
4th May 2013
