The Seychelles President, Mr.  James Michel met with the President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, Mr. Mahinda Rajapaksa this afternoon at the Waters Edge Hotel in Colombo in the margins of the 2013 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM).

President Michel congratulated him and his Government on the successful organisation of this Summit, illustrating the great steps forward that Sri Lanka has made since establishing peace and stability at the end of the war. The Seychelles delegation also indicated their support for Sri Lanka's efforts to continue seeking an inclusive resolution for the issues that were being addressed as part of post conflict reconstruction.

“This Summit has showcased Sri Lanka's investment in infrastructure and its leadership in hosting such a high level event which is critical for small states in particular. The transformation and economic dynamism of Sri Lanka is inspiring for the Commonwealth" said President Michel.

The President underscored that Seychelles and Sri Lanka have a strong partnership and that he is satisfied with the way that collaboration between the two countries are enhancing.

“Sri Lanka and Seychelles share a very close partnership and a bright future. I am pleased to highlight that our reciprocal visits have created an abundance of opportunities and a broader platform to harness the potential for stronger cooperation and exchanges in multifaceted areas,” said the President.

The two leaders discussed the on-going cooperation between Seychelles and Sri Lanka in the field of education- in particular maritime training, air services as well as plans to increase marine research and fisheries cooperation in the future.

The President welcomed commencement of Minhin Lanka flights from Colombo to Mahé this weekend adding, “This operation will play a pivotal role in further enhancing the level of our trade exchanges and contribute to the growth of the tourism industry between our two island states,”.

During the discussion it was also reiterated that the Bank of Ceylon will be establishing a branch in the Seychelles very soon as well as the opening of a Sri Lankan High Commission in Seychelles. President Michel has welcomed both openings and noted that these will help in furthering the two countries partnership and in promoting the good relations that already exist.

“The bilateral session with President Rajapaksa has been fruitful and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue to follow very closely the developments in various areas in order to make sure that cooperation in various areas between Seychelles and Sri Lanka continue to flourish,” said President Michel.

The two leaders also noted their shared ideal to further develop the concept of the 'Blue Economy' as a platform for shared opportunity and renewed sustainable growth in the Indian Ocean region.

Editor’s Note:

Also present at the meeting was the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Jean-Paul Adam, the Secretary General of the Executive Office of the President, Mrs. Lise Bastienne, the Seychelles High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Ambassador Waven William, who is resides in New Delhi, the Chief Press Secretary in Office of the President, Ms. Srdjana Janosevic and First Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ms. Rebecca Loustau-Lalanne.