New envoy Balapatabendi presents credentials in Canberra

[May 27, 2005 - 10.30 GMT]

Sri Lanka’s new High Commissioner in Australia Kusumsiri Balapatabendi presented his credentials to the Governor General of the Commonwealth of Australia Major General Michael Jeffrey this Friday morning [27th May] at Government House in Canberra.

The two discussed a range of issues covering Sri Lanka’s request for special market access, enhanced bilateral economic and technical cooperation, human resource development, assistance for reconstruction of tsunami affected areas. He also sought Australia’s support for the candidature of Ambassador Jayantha Dhanapala Sri Lanka’s nominee for the post of United Nations Secretary General.

The Governor General assured High Commissioner Balapatabendi that the Government of Australia would extend its fullest support and cooperation to whatever measure he could initiate to advance the bilateral interests of Australia and Sri Lanka.

Mr. Balapatabendi conveyed the good wishes of Sri Lankan President Chandrika Kumaratunga to the Government and people of Australia and appreciation for its humanitarian assistance in the aftermath of the tsunami and for its continuing productive development engagement with Sri Lanka.

The High Commissioner Balapatabendi then inspected the Guard of Honour while the Army band played the Sri Lankan National Anthem.

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Last Updated Date: May 27, 2005 - 10.30 GMT