High Commissioner to Maldives Ranga Goonawardena presents credentials

Saturday, 6 July 2024 00:37 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The newly appointed High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to the Republic of Maldives Ranga Goonawardena presented his credentials to the President of Maldives Dr. Mohamed Muizzu on 1 July at the President’s Office in Malé.

The Sri Lankan High Commissioner received a ceremonial welcome that included a guard of honour and a traditional cultural procession “Haiykolhu” performed by the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF). The High Commissioner’s spouse Ishani Goonawardena and Minister Counsellor of the High Commission of Sri Lanka in Malé D. Amanulla were present during the presentation of credentials.

Following the Credentials ceremony, High Commissioner Goonawardena had an audience with President Muizzu. During the discussion, the Maldivian President noted that this was the first occasion that he received credentials from a High Commissioner since assuming the Presidency. The President expressed his pleasure at receiving the first credentials from the Sri Lankan High Commissioner.

President Muizzu conveyed his aspiration to acquire additional support from Sri Lanka in the field of education and the school system in Maldives by recruiting qualified teachers. Moreover, the President indicated to the High Commissioner his interest in undertaking an official visit to Sri Lanka. High Commissioner Goonawardena expressed gratitude to the President and emphasised the need to finalise the long-awaited avoidance of double taxation and investment promotion and protection agreements before such a Presidential visit. President Muizzu and High Commissioner Goonawardena also discussed the ways and means to further strengthen bilateral relations, focusing on economic cooperation, education and health.