Farewell reception for Aussie envoy Robyn Mudie

On 8 December, Australia’s High Commissioner to Sri Lanka and Maldives Ms Robyn Mudie hosted a farewell reception at her residence.  

The event was attended by over 200 people representing all aspects of Australia’s relationship with Sri Lanka.  Attendees included ministers Malik Samarawickrema, Wijedasa Rajapaksa, Nimal Siripala De Silva, Susil Premajayantha, Mahinda Samarasinghe, D.M. Swaminathan, Rishad Bathurtheen, Arjuna Ranatunga, Faizer Mustafa, A. H. M. Fowzie and Ruwan Wijewardene, members of Sri Lanka’s security forces, diplomatic colleagues, and representatives of civil society and the non-government sector.

Talking about the breadth and depth of the Australia-Sri Lanka relationship, the High Commissioner spoke of the many long-established ties the two countries share that are built on shared values, shared membership of the Indian Ocean region, a shared love for cricket and other sports and a very long history of contact between the peoples of the two countries.  “We are more than just partners, we are friends and partners,” said High Commissioner Mudie, highlighting the longstanding ties between the two nations.

Reflecting on her four years here, the High Commissioner spoke of the beauty and vibrant colour of Sri Lanka, and the warmth, hospitality and resilience of the Sri Lankan people.  “I leave feeling very optimistic for Sri Lanka’s future”, and with “great confidence that the relationship between Australia and Sri Lanka will continue to go from strength to strength,” said High Commissioner Mudie.

The reception is one of a number or farewell events that the High Commissioner will host and attend to mark her four years as Australia’s High Commissioner to Sri Lanka and the Maldives