Sri Lanka establish diplomatic relations with the Solomon Islands and High Commissioner Admiral Thisara Samarasinghe present Credentials to Governor General His Excellency Sir Frank Ofagioro KABUI in Honiara, Solomon Islands on 24th October 2013
October 28, 2013
Sri Lanka formally established diplomatic relations with Solomon Islands for the first time when the High Commissioner Admiral Thisara Samarasinghe ceremonially presented the Credential papers of His Excellency Mahinda Rajapaksa, President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka to His Excellency the Governor General Sir Frank Ofagioro KABUI on 24th October in the Government House.
After traditional greetings and being honoured with Solomon Islands Police Force Guard of Honour, the High Commissioner was welcomed by the Governor General and accepted the credential papers. The Governor General was accompanied by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Chief of Protocol at the ceremony.
The Governor General conveyed his personal best wishes to His Excellency Mahinda Rajapaksa and wished the people of Sri Lanka a bright future. In a brief speech, the High Commissioner conveyed the greetings of His Excellency the President and the people of Sri Lanka to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the II, the Governor General and the Prime Minister of Solomon Islands and explained post conflict achievements and the vision of the President of Sri Lanka to achieve greater heights in economic, social and political development in making Sri Lanka the wonder of Asia.
On completion of Presentation of Credentials, the High Commissioner paid Courtesy Calls on Hon. Gordon Darcy LILO, the Prime Minister and Hon. Clay Forau SOALAOI, Minister of Foreign Affairs. During these discussions, the High Commissioner conveyed the gratitude and appreciation of the Government of Solomon Islands for the highest level representation in Colombo, Sri Lanka for the forthcoming CHOGM and expressed Sri Lanka’s desire of welcoming the delegation led by the Prime Minister.
Hon. Prime Minister and the Foreign Minister both conveyed their keen interest to take part at the above historic international event to display their solidarity, share the experience and observe the post conflict achievements. Hon. Prime Minister expressed his confidence and keenness to finalise a proposed Global Management Consultancy Services of Sri Lanka to establish a financial institution in Solomon Islands. The level of financial discipline and achievements of Sri Lankan financial institutions and the common challenges experienced by both countries were indicated as influencing factors in pursuing this particular programme. The High Commissioner also met the Minister of Commerce, Industry, Employment, & Immigration Hon. Elijah Doro MUALA.
The discussions concluded with commitment to progress on above Financial Management Consultancy assistance and also to engage on coconut industry and development in education and health sectors.
Mr. Ranjit Hewagama CBE, the Legal Draftsman and the Legal Advisor to the Solomon Islands Parliament, Mr. Suren Abeywickrema, CEO of multinational company M/s Carpenters of Solomon Islands and Vanuatu and Mr. Valentine Thurairajah, former UNDP Advisor and Project Manager to Solomon Islands represented the Sri Lankan community at the ceremony.
The High Commissioner also met a group of Sri Lankans who are resident and employed in Solomon Islands briefed them of the post conflict development work and the progress achieved and encouraged them to support Sri Lanka in every possible means in its development efforts and also to counter false propaganda against Sri Lanka. Most of the Sri Lankans were employed in banking, financial, business and hospitality sectors.
Sri Lanka High Commission
Canberra
28.10.2013