High Commissioner Skandakumar holds discussions with the PM, Foreign Minister and Attorney General of Fiji
February 5, 2016
Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner S. Skandakumar, who was in Fiji from 28th to 30th January 2016 to present credentials, met Prime Minister Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama, Foreign Minister Ratu Inoke Kubuabola and Attorney General and Minister of Finance Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum during his visit.
High Commissioner S. Skandakumar with Fiji Prime Minister Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama
Prime Minister Bainimarama appreciated the support and cooperation extended by the Sri Lankan judiciary, by contributing their professional expertise during a difficult and challenging period in the country’s recent history. The Fijian judiciary is largely composed of Sri Lankan judges and magistrates. The Fijian Prime Minister also commended the significant number of Sri Lankan professionals who hold high positions in the Government and corporate sector in Fiji. These sentiments were reiterated by the Foreign Minister and the Attorney General during their discussions with the High Commissioner.
Foreign Minister Kubuabola recalled his meetings with Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera in New York and Malta, and also commended the contribution to Fiji by both the former and present Honorary Consuls for Sri Lanka. The Foreign Minister also briefed on the recent developments in Fiji where a new Constitution was introduced in 2013 bringing equality to all citizens as Fijians.
High Commissioner S. Skandakumar, Fiji Foreign Minister Ratu Inoke Kubuabola & Dy. High Commissioner Himalee Arunatilaka
High Commissioner Skandakumar thanked Fiji for their assistance to Sri Lanka in rugby, and suggested reciprocal assistance from Sri Lanka to develop cricket in Fiji. Tourism infrastructure is another area mentioned in which the Sri Lankan private sector in particular would be interested. The High Commissioner proposed the early conclusion of an agreement on bilateral consultations between the two Foreign Ministries which would provide a regular platform to discuss all aspects of the bilateral relationship. The Fijian Foreign Minister welcomed the idea while suggesting that a development cooperation agreement could provide a framework to pursue cooperation in specific areas. He expressed the desire to work towards strengthening the bilateral relationship and invited the Sri Lankan Foreign Minister to visit Fiji.
Attorney General Sayed-Khaiyum, who also holds the portfolios of Finance, Public Enterprises, Public Service and Communications, specifically expressed his appreciation to members of the Sri Lankan judiciary who carried out a difficult task on behalf of Fiji, during a challenging time. The Attorney General briefed on political developments his country had undergone in the recent past. He said the Fijian people wanted development and justice across ethnic lines and that is what the present Government is trying to achieve. The Attorney General added that Fiji being a hub in the Pacific region, there are opportunities for Sri Lankan companies in the hotel industry, housing and medical fields, as well as the services sector.
High Commissioner, Attorney General Sayed-Khaiyum & Dy. High Commissioner
High Commissioner Skandakumar interacted with the Sri Lankan expatriates at a function organised by the Hony Consul, which was attended by the Chief Justice of Fiji as the Guest of Honour. The High Commissioner was accompanied by Deputy High Commissioner throughout the visit.
Sri Lanka High Commissioner
Canberra
3rd February 2016