MALE : On Monday, July 1, 2024, Ranga Goonawardena, the newly appointed High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to the Republic of Maldives presented his credentials to Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, the President of Maldives, at the President’s Office in Male’.
The High Commissioner received a ceremonial welcome that included a guard of honour and a traditional cultural procession “Haiykolhu” performed by the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF). The High Commissioner’s spouse Ishani Goonawardena and Minister Counsellor of the Mission D. Amanulla were present during the presentation of credentials.
President Dr. Muizzu noted that this was the first occasion of receiving credentials from a High Commissioner since he assumed the presidency. He expressed his pleasure at receiving the first credentials from the Sri Lankan High Commissioner.
The President stated his aspiration to acquire additional support in the field of education and the school system in Maldives by recruiting qualified teachers to the Maldives. Moreover, he indicated his interest in undertaking the proposed official visit to Sri Lanka before the end of this year.
High Commissioner Goonawardena expressed gratitude to the President and emphasized the urgency of finalizing the long-awaited avoidance of double taxation and investment promotion and protection agreement before Dr. Muizzu’s official visit to Sri Lanka.
The President and High Commissioner Goonawardena also discussed ways to further strengthen bilateral relations, focusing on economic cooperation education and health.
