High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to Singapore Senarath Dissanayake paid a courtesy call on Minister for Foreign Affairs of Singapore Dr. Vivian Balakrishnan, on 03 May 2024 at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Singapore.
During the call, the High Commissioner recalled the longstanding relations between Sri Lanka and Singapore and expressed gratitude to the Government of Singapore for the invaluable assistance extended to Sri Lanka over the years, particularly during the challenging period in the recent past.
The Foreign Minister congratulated High Commissioner Dissanayake on his appointment as Sri Lanka’s new envoy to Singapore and extended his best wishes for a fruitful tenure that would further enhance the ties between the two countries.
The discussions centered on strengthening bilateral relations and exploring avenues for cooperation. The High Commissioner apprised the Minister of the recent engagements with Singaporean authorities, including collaboration on AI and visits by delegations from the Immigration Checkpoint Authority and the Singapore Press Club, aimed at facilitating meaningful exchanges on shared interests and concerns. He emphasized Sri Lanka’s interest in actively elevating the partnership between the two countries, prioritizing economic cooperation.
The High Commissioner also briefed the Minister on the current economic situation in Sri Lanka, highlighting efforts towards economic recovery and stability. Acknowledging Sri Lanka’s potential, Minister Balakrishnan conveyed that he is happy to note that Sri Lanka is on a path of economic reform and already witnessing progress in fostering sustainable economic growth.
The Minister expressed Singapore’s willingness to provide training opportunities in diverse fields to enhance the skills and capabilities of Sri Lanka’s government officials.
High Commissioner Dissanayake thanked the Minister for the sentiments expressed and assured him of his fullest cooperation in elevating relations between Sri Lanka and Singapore.
Special Assistant to Minister Desmond Lim Hong Yao, the Deputy Director of South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa Directorate Philip Ong, and the Foreign Ministry Country Officer Emmanuel Tay, were present with the Minister at the meeting. The High Commissioner was accompanied by the Minister and Head of Chancery of the High Commission Ahamed Razee.
