Australia optimistic about Sri Lanka?s future

Australia is optimistic about the future of Sri Lanka and is also?confident that the relationship between Australia and Sri Lanka will continue to go from strength to strength.

Australia?s High Commissioner to Sri Lanka and Maldives Ms Robyn Mudie, at a farewell reception at her residence, said that Sri Lanka and Australia are more than just partners.

Talking about the breadth and depth of the Australia-Sri Lanka relationship, the High Commissioner spoke of the many, long-established ties the two countries share, which are built on shared values, shared membership of the Indian Ocean region, a shared love of cricket and other sport and a very long history of contact between the people of Australia and Sri Lanka. ?We are more than just partners, we are friends and partners? Ms Mudie said highlighting the longstanding ties both countries sustained.

Reflecting on her four years in Sri Lanka, the High Commissioner spoke of the beauty and vibrant colour of Sri Lanka, and the warmth, hospitality and resilience of the Sri Lankan people. ?I leave feeling very optimistic for Sri Lanka?s future?, and with ?great confidence that the relationship between Australia and Sri Lanka will continue to go from strength to strength? High Commissioner Mudie said.

The event was attended by over 200 people representing all aspects of Australia?s relationship with Sri Lanka. Attendees included ministers of Malik Samarawickrema, Wijedasa Rajapaksa, Nimal Siripala De Silva, SusilPremajayantha, Mahinda Samarasinghe, D.M. Swaminathan, Rishad Bathurtheen, ArjunaRanatunga, Faizer Mustafa, A H M Fowzie and Ruwan Wijewardene, members of Sri Lanka?s security forces, diplomatic colleagues, and representatives of civil society and the non-government sector.

The reception is one of a number or farewell events that the High Commissioner will host and attend to mark her four years as Australia?s High Commissioner to Sri Lanka and Maldives. (Colombo Gazette)