‘Relations between Seychelles and Sri Lanka will be stronger in the future,’ says outgoing HC |18 March 2015

In spite of a recent change of government in Sri Lanka following which the new administration has called back a number of foreign-based diplomats, relations between this Indian Ocean island which lies south of India and Seychelles will be stronger in the future.

This was the declaration made by the outgoing Sri Lankan high commissioner Rajatha Piyatissa after he had paid a farewell visit to President James Michel at State House yesterday.

“No government wants bad relationship with each other. The change of diplomatic postings is in line with the current government policy. But this does not mean that there is a change in policy. Seychelles has been our great friend during the recent years. The Sri Lankan people are grateful to the people of Seychelles for the friendship. So our relations can only be stronger in the future,” he commented.

The outgoing high commissioner said he has assured President Michel that Sri Lanka will not only maintain the bonds of friendship with Seychelles, but will also strengthen them.

“The present government in Sri Lanka will not divert from that. We are both Commonwealth countries so we believe in the same values which we will continue to share,” he said.

He also claims to have received the same commitment from the Seychelles’ side.

“The message I have got from President Michel, from Vice-President Danny Faure and from Foreign Affairs and Transport Minister Joel Morgan is that the relations and good bonds will continue,” he confirmed.

In this vein, he added that he expects Minister Morgan to visit his country shortly.

As accomplishments recorded during his short term in office, Mr Piyatissa noted the opening of a high commission and the posting of a permanent high commissioner in Victoria.

The Bank of Ceylon, a Sri Lankan insurance company as well as medical clinic have also opened branches here.
The first Sri Lankan Trade Fair was also organised last year and about sixty-five businesses took part.

As a sign of enhanced relationship in the future, the outgoing high commissioner expects the fair to become bigger with the involvement of other countries, resulting in more benefits for both Seychelles and Sri Lanka.

Above all accomplishments, Sri Lanka’s former president Mahinda Rajapaksa visited Seychelles at the end of June last year.

The outgoing high commissioner concluded that Sri Lankans now love the Seychelles too much and thus cannot abandon the good relationship between the two nations.

“This government has been very good to Sri Lanka and Sri Lankans. Seychelles has been our friend. Seychellois are very friendly people as I have seen through everyone that I have known, especially the local staff which have worked with me and supported me during my stay,” he remarked.

The Sri Lankan diplomat has predicted that his successor will be named “within a month or two”.

“Mon kontan Sesel”, were Mr Piyatissa’s last words to the local press as he prepares to leave the country this coming Saturday.