Welcoming the newly appointed Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Bahrain, Pradeepa Saram at Riffa Palace, Manama, His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa wished her success in her diplomatic mission and affirmed Bahrain’s interest in strengthening cooperation and friendship with Sri Lanka.
Conveying greetings and best wishes from the President and the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, Ambassador expressed the gratitude to the Bahrain government for the support extended to Sri Lanka at the regional and international fora. Ambassador emphasised that both countries share commonalities entrenched in their shared history and rich cultures, sustained by the growing economic linkages and had been enjoying cordial bilateral relations even before the establishment of formal diplomatic relations in 1992.
Ambassador Saram recalled Bahrain Premier’s successful visit to Sri Lanka in July 2009, noting that its positive results have further strengthened the friendly relations reflecting traditionally close ties and common interests of the two countries in all sectors, and underlined the importance of enhancing high-level political exchanges, trade and economic relations and people-to-people contacts. The Prime Minister Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa was the first world leader to visit Sri Lanka after defeat of terrorism and also Bahrain was one of the very first countries which extended condolences in the wake of Easter Sunday bomb attacks on 21 April 2019, and extended solidarity and support denouncing terrorism.
Ambassador briefed the Premier on the current situation in Sri Lanka following the Easter Sunday attacks and highlighted that Sri Lanka had returned to normalcy and was safe for travellers.
Highlighting the good reputation maintained by the Sri Lankan expatriate community, the Prime Minister said that expatriates make up an important part of the Bahraini society and have contributed alongside Bahraini citizens to the progress of the Kingdom in all areas. He further said that he appreciated Sri Lankans’ positive attitudes towards Bahrain and their constant keenness on strengthening its position at all levels. Ambassador Saram added that the Sri Lankan migrant workers are considered to be high skilled and competent and their contributions and the remittances are the highest to country’s economy.
The meeting at Riffa palace was attended by the Minister of Cabinet Affairs of Bahrain, Head of Prime Minister’s Court, Advisor of the Prime Minister and other senior officials of the Prime Minister’s office.
