The President of the Republic, Mr Danny Faure hosted a reception at State House yesterday evening, in honour of H.E. Mr Maithripala Sirisena, President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka.
During the reception President Faure formally welcomed H.E. President Maithripala Sirisena to Seychelles and as the Guest of Honour to the reception.
During his address, President Faure thanked President Sirisena for the donation of pharmaceutical and medical equipment to the Ministry of Health. The President acknowledged the very productive bilateral discussions that took place between the Sri Lankan and Seychelles delegations. He also made remark on the promise for further interaction in the field of education through the two MoUs signed earlier.
The President described the activities of the early morning as exemplifying “the excellent health of the relations between our two countries”. He went on to describe President Sirisena’s State visit as a testimony to the “deep mutual respect and friendship that exists between Seychelles and Sri Lanka”.
In a short review President Faure noted “education, health, fisheries, trade and capacity building for our young sailors through CINEC” as some of the key areas of cooperation between Sri Lanka and Seychelles. He went on to say that there was great potential in “embarking on a solid partnership with Sri Lanka in the fields of renewable energy, environment protection, tourism and the Blue Economy.”
President Faure explained that the direct air link with Sri Lanka, with Sri Lankan Airlines flying to and from Colombo three times a week is essential in allowing the people the opportunity to experience the wonders of the two countries. “There is indeed a strong people-to-people connection between our two countries, as evidenced by the visit of a group from Sri Lanka to participate in our Festival Kreol/Laserenade Enternasyonal de Victoria this month”, he went on to say.
Before toasting to the good health and success of President Sirisena and to the prosperity and lasting friendship between the two nations, President Faure thanked the Sri Lankan community in Seychelles who are playing an important role in the growth and development of Seychelles.
Before he availed of his turn to propose toasts, President Maithripala Sirisena thanked the President and the people of Seychelles for their hospitality. One that he said, “is a reflection of the friendship that binds Sri Lanka and Seychelles together”. He gave his personal commitment to enhance the cordial and friendly relations between Seychelles and Sri Lanka.
“Excellency, Ladies and Gentlemen, Sri Lanka and the Seychelles, face common challenges of accelerating economic development. I share your Excellency’s philosophy that the nations citizens should be empowered to contribute effectively to the economic growth of the country. We have now opened Resident Diplomatic Missions in both countries and this is making it possible for closer interactions that bring tangible benefits to our peoples. I am happy to learn that we now have strong cooperation in several areas including the health sector, maritime, transport and fisheries, agriculture, banking services, education and sports. I have learnt that there are a significant number of Sri Lankans employed in the Seychelles and contributing to your country’s development,” said Mr Sirisena.
Present at State House for the reception were the Vice President Vincent Meriton, the President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Francis Macgregor, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, Justice Mathilda Twomey, the Designated Minister, Mrs Macsuzy Mondon, the Speaker of the National Assembly, Mr Nicholas Prea, the Leader of Government Business in the National Assembly, Honourable Charles Decommarmond, Ministers, Members of the National Assembly, Members of the Diplomatic Corps and other distinguished guests.
The full speech pf President Faure can be read here: http://www.statehouse.gov.sc/speeches.php?news_id=4153