Ambassador Shani Calyaneratne Karunaratne presented her Letters of Credence to the nominee of President of the Syrian Arab Republic, Bashar Al –Assad, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Minister, Walid Al-Moallem on 21 January 2020 at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, Damascus, Syria.
After presenting Credentials, Ambassador Karunaratne extended greetings from President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to President Bashar Al -Assad. The Deputy Prime Minister reciprocated warm greetings of Syria to President Rajapaksa. Deputy Prime Minister conveyed best wishes on the memorable occasion of presenting credentials by a Sri Lankan Ambassador after a lapse of ten years. He also expressed Syrian Government’s keenness to rejuvenate the long-standing relations between the two Countries.
In responding to Deputy Prime Minister, Ambassador briefly explained the present situation of Sri Lanka’s economic and security conditions. Chief of Protocol, Dr. Sami Salameh and Chief of Cabinet, Mohammad Al Oumrani of the Foreign Ministry also attended the ceremony.
Ambassador also had discussions with Deputy Foreign Minister, Dr. Faisal Al-Mekdad. He conveyed warm greetings of the Syrian government to newly elect President Rajapaksa and to the Sri Lankan government commending the resilience maintained since LTTE war and the dignity kept during the external pressures. He further ensured the continued and cordial relations between the two countries, being the members of the Non-Aligned Movement. Director-General of the Asian Department Ayman Rayed was also present at the discussion.
During her short visit, Ambassador Karunaratne led a discussion with the Sri Lankan community in Damascus at the Honorary Consulate focusing on their concerns over consular services and grievances.
First Secretary of the Embassy Chathuri Perera and Honorary Consul of Sri Lanka to Syria Dr. M.M. Al-Droubi accompanied the Ambassador to the credential ceremony and official discussions. The Syrian government commended the outstanding contribution of Dr. M.M. Al-Droubi in facilitating the diplomatic relations between the two countries.
Ambassador Karunaratne, a senior career diplomat is currently Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to Lebanon.
