New Korean Ambassador assumes office in Sri Lanka

The new Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Sri Lanka Lee Heon presented his credentials to President Maithripala Sirisena at the President’s House in Colombo on 23 January. 

Minister of Foreign Affairs Tilak Marapana and the Secretary to the President Austin Fernando attended this occasion.

Lee, who arrived in Sri Lanka on 16 January, shares a very special bond with Sri Lanka, having served at the Korean Embassy in Colombo in the 1990s, in his very first post abroad after joining the Foreign Service. 

Serving as Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Sri Lanka, his first post as an ambassador, is truly meaningful. During his previous service in this country, when Sri Lanka was still experiencing civil war, the Republic of Korea was the largest distributor of FDI in Sri Lanka at that time.

“Ambassador Lee is delighted to have the opportunity to return to Sri Lanka, which is like a second home to him, in particular at this meaningful time when the bilateral relations have been further strengthened with the momentum generated by the celebration of the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2017,” a statement said.

The State visit by President Sirisena to Korea last November was indeed meaningful and Ambassador Lee had the opportunity to meet with the Sri Lankan President on various occasions.

“The new Korean Ambassador will indeed exert heartfelt efforts to further strengthen the excellent relations between Korea and Sri Lanka, in a mutually-beneficial and future-oriented way, thereby deepening the bonds of friendship and understanding between the two nations and peoples,” the statement added.

The Republic of Korea is to host the Pyeong Chang 2018 Olympic Winter Games (9 to 25 February) and the Winter Paralympic Games (9 to 18 March) in Gangwon Province.