Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to the State of Kuwait Sarath Dissanayake,  who is concurrently accredited to the Kingdom of Bahrain presented his Letter of Credence to His Majesty Sheikh Hamad Bin Isa Al-Khalifa, the King of the Kingdom of Bahrain on 3rd August at Al – Sakhir Palace in Manama, Bahrain. 

On arrival at the Al - Sakhir Palace for the presentation ceremony, Ambassador was accorded a ceremonial welcome which included the Guard of Honour, a Salute followed by the playing of the Sri Lankan National Anthem.  After the presentation of the Letter of Credence, His Majesty and Ambassador exchanged greetings and compliments.   

In his opening remarks, Ambassador conveyed the blessings and greetings from the President Mahinda Rajapaksa to His Majesty the King and briefed him on the post-war Sri Lanka’s development and opportunities.  Ambassador also referred to the excellent relations between the two countries and the new era ushered in Sri Lanka following the defeat of terrorism.    Reference was also made to the historic visit of Bahraini Premier to Sri Lanka in July 2009, during which 05 MOUs were signed paving the way for the consolidation of relations and further strengthening of cooperation in a range of sectors.  Ambassador expressed his gratitude to the Government of Bahrain for opportunities given for a large number of Sri Lankans to work in Bahrain thus benefiting the host country and their motherland.

His Majesty on his part congratulated President Mahinda Rajapaksa and the people of Sri Lanka on the achievement of lasting peace.  Furthermore, he noted with appreciation the contribution by  Sri Lankans in Bahrain for his country’s socio-economic development.   His Majesty extended his best wishes to the Government and people of Sri Lanka for a bright and prosperous future.  

On the 4th August, the Undersecretary of the Foreign Ministry, Mr. Abdulla Abdullatif Abdulla  hosted a reception to welcome the newly accredited Ambassadors.  In his remarks, Undersecretary congratulated the Ambassadors and spoke on the need to work closely with the envoys for further promotion of relations and assured them of his country’s support in the conduct of their  duties. 

Sri Lanka’s Ambassador spoke on behalf of the newly accredited Ambassadors and expressed appreciation to the Government and the people of Bahrain  for the warm welcome and generous hospitality provided.   He expressed the hope that the relations between Bahrain and their respective countries concerned will be further strengthened for mutual benefit during their tenures of office. 

As part of his schedule in Bahrain, Sri Lanka’s Ambassador also met with the  Sri Lankan community in Bahrain on 3rd and 5th August respectively, organized by the Sri Lanka’s Hony. Consul to Bahrain Mr. Tissa Higgoda.  In his remarks, Ambassadors appreciated the Sri Lankans for their contribution for the promotion of Sri Lanka – Bahrain relations and requested them to work hard to contribute for their country’s economic development.  Bahrain is home to over 15,000  Sri Lankans who are employed in skilled, semi-skilled and other sectors.

Sri Lankan Ambassador was assisted in all the arrangements during the visit by Mr. Tissa Higgoda, Sri Lanka’s Hony. Consul in Bahrain.

Embassy of Sri Lanka
Kuwait
August 12, 2010