Major Gen. (R) Lokuketagodage presents credentials as Sri Lankan High Commissioner to Pakistan

Major Gen. (R) Jayanath Lokuketagodage, the new Sri Lankan High Commissioner to Pakistan, presented his credentials to Pakistan President Mamnoon Hussain at the Aiwan -e- Sadr on Thursday, 31 December 2015.

Major Gen. (R) Lokuketagodage is a versatile, committed and an experienced senior retired Sri Lanka Army officer, having served 35 years in the Sri Lankan Army since 1980. In his professional career, he was Commander of Security forces Headquarters, Brigade Commander, 553 Brigade, Centre Commandant, Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment and Commanding officer of the Sri Lanka United Nation Peace keeping troops in Haiti. He has achieved several military awards including Rana Sooora, Uththama Seva Padakkama (High level Military achievements) and has undergone defence and strategic studies in several foreign countries.

The High Commissioner conveyed the warm greeting and best wishes from President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe for the President’s personal good health, happiness and well-being and for the continued progress and prosperity of the people of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. The President reciprocated warm greeting and best wishes and noted that the existing relations between Pakistan and Sri Lanka has been progressing in every field and noted the forthcoming high level visit would further strengthen relations in the coming year.

Soon after presenting his credentials, Major Gen. (R) Lokuketagodage noted that he assumed charge at a momentous period in the bilateral relations between Sri Lanka and Pakistan, where both counties enjoyed very warm and friendly relations.

President Maithripala Sirisena visited Pakistan in April of this year and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif visited Sri Lanka recently, further enhancing bilateral relations. The High Commissioner stated that he would do his best to further promote and expand the historical connection between our two countries.