The Sri Lankan Ambassador to Indonesia Anoja Wijeyesekera presented her credentials to The President of Indonesia, His Excellency Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono on 21 July 2014, at a magnificent ceremony held at the Merdeka Palace in Jakarta.
The ceremony commenced with a red carpet Guard of Honour by the Presidential Guard at the sprawling front lawns of the palace. The Ambassador was accorded a military Presentation of Arms. This was followed by a stirring rendering of Namo Namo Matha played by the smartly attired band of the Presidential Guard.
Thereafter, the credentials ceremony took place in a formal atmosphere. President Yudhoyono accepted credentials from four other Ambassadors including China, South Korea, Myanmar and Solomon Islands at the same ceremony. The Foreign Minister Dr. Marty Natalegawa and senior government officials participated in the ceremonial proceedings.
Following the presentation of credentials by each Ambassador, a discussion was held with the President of Indonesia and the Foreign Minister and other senior officials. After a short speech by the President of Indonesia, Ambassador Wijeyesekera made a brief speech in which she conveyed the warm greetings and good wishes of His Excellency President Mahinda Rajapaksa to His Excellency President Yudhoyono and the people of Indonesia. Citing various examples from history, she referred to the long historical ties of over one thousand years, between Sri Lanka and Indonesia. She said that her wish on this auspicious day of presenting credentials is that the close bonds of friendship between the two nations would be strengthened and flourish over the next one thousand years for the mutual benefit of the peoples of Indonesia and Sri Lanka.
She also congratulated President Yudhoyono for his wise leadership and exemplary commitment to democracy and the rule of law. In particular, she commended his inspiring foreign policy namely, “Zero enemies, One thousand friends” and said that if the world followed this example world peace could be achieved.
Referring to President Yudhoyono’s introduction, where he referred to the crucial role of security in the democratic process, the Sri Lanka Ambassador said that for over 30 years, the security of Sri Lanka was compromised on account of terrorism. Having finally defeated this scourge, Sri Lanka has begun to re-establish peace and achieve its dividends. On behalf of the President and the people of Sri Lanka she thanked the President and the Government of Indonesia for the support and understanding accorded to Sri Lanka, during the current phase of establishing peace and reconciliation and the difficult hurdles that we have encountered. She ended her speech by wishing the President, good health, long life and success in all his future endeavours.
President Yudhoyono replied that he had a very good rapport with President Rajapaksa and he particularly referred to the Bali Democracy Forum where President Rajapaksa participated.
Embassy of Sri Lanka
Jakarta
3rd August 2014
