Ambassador Raja A. Edirisuriya, presented his letters of credence on the 12th of November 2014, as the non-resident Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the President of Suriname, His Excellency Desire Delano Bouterse.
Following the presentation of the credentials, President Bouterse met with Ambassador Edirisuriya, during which Foreign Minister Hon. Winston G. Lackin and the Ambassador of Suriname to Sri Lanka based in New Delhi, H.E. Ms. Aashna Kanhai were present. President Bouterse expressed interest in seeking Sri Lanka’s expertise and knowhow in coconut cultivation, to help develop coconut plantations in Suriname. Ambassador Edirisuriya agreed to convey the request to the relevant authorities in Colombo to facilitate the sharing of technical knowledge in the coconut industry between Sri Lanka and Suriname. These plans will enhance commerce and trade relations between the two countries.
Suriname is the current Chair of the UNASUR (Union of South American States), and Ambassador Edirisuriya used the opportunity to brief the Suriname President on the post-war human rights situation in Sri Lanka. He described the progress achieved in resettlement, the rehabilitation of ex-combatants, and the reconstruction of war-devastated regions.
At a separate meeting with Foreign Minister Lackin, Ambassador Edirisuriya spoke of the positive achievements in Sri Lanka since the end of the conflict. He also brought to the attention of the Foreign Minister that a section of the international community disregarded Sri Lanka’s progress due to false allegations that have no basis. The allegations are merely propaganda of pro-LTTE extremists. The LTTE extremist elements have become strong voting blocs in many Western countries. The Ambassador extended an invitation to the Foreign Minister to visit Sri Lanka. The meeting was attended by H.E. Marlon Faisal Mohamed Hoesein, Ambassador of Suriname to Brazil, H.E. Aashna Kanhai, Ambassador of Suriname to Sri Lanka and the Deputy Head of Mission of Sri Lanka to Brazil, Major General Kamal Gunaratne.
Embassy of Sri Lanka
Brasilia
17th November 2014
