Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, Sugeeshwara Gunaratna, presented his credentials to Ethiopian President Sahle-Work Zewde at the National Palace last Tuesday.
The presentation of credentials was preceded by the singing of the national anthems of Sri Lanka and Ethiopia followed by the inspection of a military Guard of Honour.
Following the presentation of credentials, the Ambassador was received in audience by the President of Ethiopia. During the audience, Ambassador Sugeeshwara Gunaratna conveyed the warm greetings of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and the intention of the Government of Sri Lanka to strengthen bilateral relations with Ethiopia which has seen an ascending trend in the recent past, building upon the historical solidarity between the two countries in the non-aligned movement. Outlining the Sri Lankan investments in Ethiopia, amounting to around US$ 15 million in the Hawassa Industrial Park generating employment for about 3700 persons, Ambassador Sugeeshwara Gunaratna stated that it was now incumbent on both parties to strengthen trade and investment linkages in the future.
Ambassador Gunaratna stated his intention to work towards broadening existing bilateral linkages between the two countries as well as wider Africa given his dual role as the Permanent Representative to the African Union. The President of Ethiopia was also briefed by the Ambassador on the “Revitalized Africa Policy” which is expected to guide Sri Lanka’s future engagement with Africa.
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