Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to the Republic of Zambia, resident in South Africa Anuruddha Kumara Mallimaratchi presented Letters of Credence to President Edgar Chagwa Lungu, Zambia, at a Ceremony held on May 3, 2019 at the State House in Lusaka.
While conveying warm wishes from President Maithripala Sirisena to the President and the People of the Republic of Zambia, High Commissioner Mallimaratchi expressed his desire to enhance the ties between the two countries. High Commissioner Mallimaratchi stated that Sri Lanka has obtained accreditation status in African Union in 2014 as a non-African State to enhance the cooperation between Sri Lanka and the African region. He also said that a draft text of Agreement on Cooperation between Government of Zambia and Sri Lanka has been exchanged with Zambian authorities and a draft MOU on Military Training and Cooperation between Sri Lanka and Zambia is negotiated presently.
The President of the Republic of Zambia extended a warm welcome to High Commissioner Mallimaratchi and stated that the two countries are closely knit by common goals of sustainable development, stability and peace as enshrined in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
The President Lungu further stated that Zambia and Sri Lanka have enjoyed warm relations over the years since the establishment of diplomatic ties. He said that the Government of Zambia has committed to further consolidate relations with Sri Lanka and ensure that both Zambia and Sri Lanka engage in meaningful cooperation in the areas of agriculture, agro-processing, manufacturing and other sectors of mutual interest. Further the President said that Zambia commiserates with Sri Lanka and joins the International community in condemning the recent bombings on churches and hotels in which innocent lives were lost and hundreds wounded. Such cowardly terrorist attacks are inhumane and despicable, the President added.
High Commissioner Mallimaratchi was fortunate to secure the rare privilege of meeting the First President of Zambia Kenneth Kaunda on the 3rd May afternoon with Mrs. Mallimaratchi and Sri Lanka’s Honorary Consul in Zambia Elmo Jayatileka, after the presentation of Credentials. The Sri Lanka community in Lusaka, led by Zambia-Sri Lanka Friendship Association Chairman Sunith Medonza and Honorary Consul Elmo Jayetileke, hosted a dinner in honour of High Commissioner Mallimaratchi, in which more than 60 Sri Lankans participated.
High Commissioner Mallimaratchi also met former President Rupiah Banda on 4th May morning.
