Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to the State of Kuwait Mr. C A H M Wijeratne, who is concurrently accredited to the Kingdom of Bahrain, presented his letter of Credence to His majesty Sheikh Hamad Bin Isa Al-Khalifa, the King of the Kingdom of Bahrain on 03rd July 2012 at Al Sakhir Palace in Manama, Bahrain.
On arrival at the Al-Sakhir Palace for the presentation ceremony, Ambassador was accorded a ceremonial welcome which included the Guard of Honour, a salute followed by the playing of the Sri Lankan National Anthem. After the presentation of the Letter of Credence, His Majesty and Ambassador exchanged greetings and compliments.
In his opening remarks, Ambassador Mr. Wijeratne conveyed the blessings and greetings from the President Mahinda Rajapaksa to His Majesty the King and briefed him on the post war Sri Lanka’s development and opportunities. Ambassador also referred to the excellent relations between the two countries and the new era ushered in Sri Lanka following the defeat of terrorism. Reference was also made to the historic visit of Bahraini Premier to Sri Lanka in July 2009, during which 05 MoUs were signed paving the way for the consolidation of relations and further strengthening of cooperation in a range of sectors. Ambassador expressed his gratitude to the Government of Bahrain for opportunities given for a large number of Sri Lankans to work in Bahrain thus benefiting the host country and their motherlands.
His Majesty on his part congratulated President Mahinda Rajapaksa and the people of Sri Lanka on the achievement of lasting peace. Furthermore, he noted with appreciation the contribution by Sri Lankans in Bahrain for his country’s socio-economic development. His Majesty extended his best wishes to the Government and people of Sri Lanka for a bright and prosperous future. His Majesty also requested the Ambassador to convey his regards to all the Sri Lankans working in Bahrain.
On the 04th July, the Undersecretary of the Foreign Ministry, Mr. Abdulla Abdullatif Abdulla hosted a reception to welcome the newly accredited Ambassadors. In his remarks, Undersecretary congratulated the Ambassadors and spoke on the need to work closely with the envoys for further promotion of relations and assured them of his country’s support in the conduct of their duties.
Sri Lanka’s Ambassador expressed his appreciation to the Government and the people of Bahrain for the warm welcome and generous hospitality provided. He expressed the hope that the relations between Bahrain and Sri Lanka will be further strengthened for mutual benefit during the tenure of office.
As part of his schedule in Bahrain, Sri Lanka’s Ambassador also met with the Sri Lanka community in Bahrain on 03rd July respectively, organized by the Sri Lanka’s Hony. Consul to Bahrain Mr. Tissa Higgoda. In his remarks, Ambassador appreciated the Sri Lankans for their contribution for the promotion of Sri Lanka-Bahrain relations and requested them to work hard to contribute for their country’s economic development. Bahrain is home to over 15,000 Sri Lankans who are employed in skilled, semi-skilled and other sectors. Accompanying the visiting Minister of Foreign Employment Promotion and Welfare Hon. Dilan Perera the Ambassador met with Bahrain Labour Minister Hon. Jameel Hamaidan on 04th July. During the meeting Bahrain’s keenness to safeguard to rights of expatriate workers and ensure a health work environment was stressed by labour Minister.
He also hailed the positive role of the Sri Lankan labour force and their remarkable contribution to the Kingdom’s development.
Meanwhile, Hon. Dilan Perera thanked the Government for the care accorded to the Sri Lankan workers in Bahrain.
Sri Lankan Ambassador was assisted in all the arrangements during the visit by Mr. Tissa Higgoda, Sri Lanka’s Hony. Consul in Bahrain.
Sri Lanka Embassy
Kuwait
18th July 2012
