The new resident High Commissioner of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka to Seychelles, Dr. Tikiri Herath Gunathilake, presented his credentials to President James Michel at State House this morning.

The President and the High Commissioner discussed several fields of cooperation such as health, education, tourism, agriculture and the Blue Economy.

High Commissioner Gunathilake issued a statement to the press after the meeting where he praised the relationship between Sri Lanka and Seychelles and said that his tenure is an opportunity to strengthen and foster the bridge between Sri Lanka and Seychelles.

He outlined his planned initiatives in the fields of philanthropy, culture, media, trade, library and information science, medicine, education and sports.

“From commercial point of view, bilateral efficient trade relationships can be developed. Professionals in different fields can be shared...exporting tuna fish to Sri Lanka from here will touch the Blue Economy,” he said.

High Commissioner Gunathilake is based in Victoria and is the second resident High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to Seychelles.

Also present during the meeting were the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Transport, Joel Morgan and the President's Diplomatic Adviser, Ambassador Callixte D’Offay.