Israel Ambassador Carmon meets Premier Wickremesinghe

• Discuss new ways of enhancing bilateral ties

The Ambassador of Israel to Sri Lanka Daniel Carmon visited Sri Lanka to participate in Israel’s 67th National Day celebrations. During his visit, the Ambassador met with Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe. During their meeting, the Prime Minister and the Ambassador discussed in detail the existing fields of cooperation between Israel and Sri Lanka as well as new ways for mutual cooperation between the two nations. 

The Sri Lankan premier also sent his good wishes to the Israeli Prime Minister on formation of the new Israeli government. The Ambassador briefed the Prime Minister on the latest developments in the Middle East including Hamas’ efforts to rebuild its rocket launching capabilities and Iran’s pursue for nuclear weapons.

Ambassador Carmon also met Minister for Foreign Affairs Mangala Samaraweera, Minister of Agriculture Duminda Dissanayake, Minister of Foreign Employment Thalatha Athukorale and Secretary General of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce Mangala Yapa.

On Tuesday, a reception was hosted in Colombo by the Embassy of Israel on the occasion of Israel’s National Day that saw hundreds of guests including officials, ministers, bureaucrats and business leaders. The hall, which was decorated with the flags of Sri Lanka and Israel, was jam packed with many guests of the Israeli Ambassador and the Chief Guest for the evening, Minister of Plantation Industries Lakshman Kiriella. 

This was Ambassador Carmon’s first National Day in Sri Lanka after assuming office as Ambassador of Israel to Sri Lanka last year.

After his successful visit to Sri Lanka, Carmon said, “My second visit to Sri Lanka has been another wonderful opportunity to deepen ties between our two countries. As we have been closely following the political developments in Sri Lanka in the past few months, during my visit I have discussed with the Sri Lankan leadership further ways to extend our bilateral cooperation. 

It was an honour and a privilege to meet with Prime Minister Ranil Wickremasinghe, Minister for Foreign Affairs Mangala Samaraweera and other ministers. 

Together with Minister of Foreign Employment Thalatha Athukorale, we discussed the thousands of Sri Lankan nationals already employed in Israel in agriculture and as caregivers. In my meeting with the Secretary General of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce Mangala Yapa and other members of the business community here in Colombo, I was happy to hear about the expectations to further expand trade relations with Israel, especially in agriculture and water sectors. 

I have no doubt we will witness the fruits of this partnership in the coming future for the benefit of both countries.”