The Sri Lankan High Commissioner to Seychelles, H.E. Mr. Rajatha Piyatissa, has paid a farewell call on President James Michel at State House this morning at the end of his tenure of office.

President James Michel thanked High Commissioner Piyatissa for his contribution to foster closer ties between Seychelles and Sri Lanka throughout his mandate in Seychelles. President pointed out that Seychelles value its relationship with Sri Lanka and that his government would like to see it develop further. Hence, the President said that he hope that the successor of High Commissioner Piyatissa will continue the good work that he has started to further develop diplomatic ties between the two country.

The President and High Commissioner Piyatissa reviewed various cooperation programmes that had been successful and those that are of interest to both countries, as well as agreements still in the discussion phase.

Speaking to the press after the meeting, High Commissioner Rajatha Piyatissa said that he had a fruitful meeting with the President and that they have shared thoughts on the potential for greater cooperation which will build greater bond of friendship between the two countries. He described his term of office as a successful one, which had allowed reinforcement of bilateral relations between Seychelles and Sri Lanka in a short period of time.

"I think our two countries have bilateral relations that are very strong and trade has improved in a very rapid manner. Also, I would say that Seychelles has gained a lot from Sri Lanka, especially in the manpower sector; professional and unskilled [workforce]. The Seychellois people as you know, have been going to Sri Lanka mostly for health care, tourism and trade. So, our two countries I think are very close since we established our High Commission in 2014...We have established the Bank of Ceylon, the premiere bank of Sri Lanka here in Seychelles and the Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation, the leading insurance of Sri Lanka has established a branch here, also a health centre. Those have been a great achievements for Sri Lanka because they are serving both our countries. It is serving us by establishing our branches here and serving you, by providing a quality service,” said the Sri Lankan High Commissioner.

Also present during the farewell call on the President were the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Transport, Mr. Joel Morgan and the President’s Diplomatic Advisor, Ambassador Callixte D’Offay.