The Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the Federative Republic of Brazil, Sumith Dassanayake who is concurrently accredited as the Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the Republic of Suriname, presented his Letters of Credence as non- resident Ambassador, to the President of the Republic of Suriname, Chandrikapersad Santokhi at the Presidential Palace in Paramaribo on 22 February 2024.
The presentation of Credentials ceremony in Suriname included a guard of honour, presentation of Credential papers to the President followed by a bilateral discussion with the President accompanied by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Suriname, signing the golden book and interaction with the media.
During his meeting with the President of Suriname, Ambassador Sumith Dassanayake conveyed greetings of President Ranil Wickremesinghe and the Government of Sri Lanka, which was warmly reciprocated. The discussion centered on the debt re-structuring processes in Sri Lanka and Suriname, further improvement of bilateral relations between the two countries and the significance of further cooperation at the multilateral fora, which includes at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Geneva, etc.
Ambassador Sumith Dassanyake, also had meetings with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Suriname, Albert R. Ramdin, and the Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Miriam Mac Intosh. During the discussions, among other bilateral issues, the Ambassador underscored the requirement for establishment of a Joint Commission on Political and Economic Cooperation between the two countries. Accordingly, a draft text from Sri Lanka will be submitted for consideration of the Government of Suriname, in due course.
Ambassador Sumith Dassanyake also had a meeting with the Chairman of the Suriname Investment and Trade Agency (SITA), Mr. Henk-John Guicherit and discussed on Trade and Economic Cooperation between Sri Lanka and Suriname.
Addressing the media, Ambassador Sumith Dassanayake highlighted on the progress of relations between Sri Lanka and Suriname since establishment of diplomatic relations in 2012 and also the availability of opportunities for business community in Suriname and other South American countries in Sri Lanka, which includes possible investments in Pharmaceutical zone in Hambantota, Textile zones in Eravur and Batticaloa, BOI Industrial zones, IT based development projects, Hospitality and leisure sector projects, Colombo Port City project, Mixed Development projects etc.
The Ambassador also highlighted on the goods and services that could offer to South America from Sri Lanka vis-a-vis Ceylon Tea, Cinnamon, Spices, Garments, Rubber products and IT Services etc.
