Ambassador to Kuwait presents credentials in Bahrain

Sri Lanka's Ambassador to the State of Kuwait C. A. H. M. Wijeratne, who is concurrently accredited to the Kingdom of Bahrain, presented his letter of credence to the King of Bahrain Sheikh Hamad Bin Isa Al-Khalifa at Al Sakhir Palace in Manama, Bahrain recently.

Ambassador Wijeratne briefed the King on Sri Lanka's development and opportunities and referred to the excellent relations between the two countries and the new era ushered in Sri Lanka following the defeat of terrorism. Reference was also made to the historic visit of the Bahraini Premier to Sri Lanka in July 2009, during which five MoUs were signed, paving the way for the consolidation of relations and further strengthening of cooperation in a range of sectors. He expressed his gratitude to the Government of Bahrain for the opportunities given for a large number of Sri Lankans to work in Bahrain, thus benefiting the host country and their motherland.

The Bahraini King congratulated President Mahinda Rajapaksa and the people of Sri Lanka for the achievement of lasting peace. He noted with appreciation the contribution by Sri Lankans in Bahrain for his country's socio-economic development.

The Undersecretary of the Foreign Ministry, Abdulla Abdullatif Abdulla hosted a reception to welcome the newly accredited ambassadors.

The Undersecretary congratulated the ambassadors and spoke on the need to work closely with the envoys for further promotion of relations and assured them of his country's support in the conduct of their duties.

Ambassador Wijeratne also met with the Sri Lankan community in Bahrain at an event organised by Sri Lanka's Honorary Consul to Bahrain Tissa Higgoda.

The Ambassador appreciated the Sri Lankans for their contribution for the promotion of Sri Lanka-Bahrain relations and requested them to work hard to contribute for their country's economic development. Bahrain is home to over 15,000 Sri Lankans who are employed in skilled, semi-skilled and other sectors.

Accompanying the visiting Minister of Foreign Employment Promotion and Welfare Dilan Perera, the Ambassador met Bahrain's Labour Minister Jameel Hamaidan later. During the meeting, Bahrain's keenness to safeguard the rights of expatriate workers and ensure a healthy work environment was stressed by their Labour Minister. He also hailed the positive role of the Sri Lankan labour force and their remarkable contribution to the Kingdom's development.