Prime Minister of Solomon Island greatly values gesture of assistance and solidarity by the President of Sri Lanka

May 27, 2014

His Excellency Mahinda Rajapaksa, President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka has sanctioned a cash contribution of US $ 50,000.00 from the Government and people of Sri Lanka to the Government and people of the Solomon Islands as a gesture of solidarity and assistance.  This was in support of the rehabilitation, resettlement and reconstruction programmes underway in Solomon Island after the last month’s devastating cyclone and flood water damages.

Therefore, on the directive of the Minister of External Affairs Hon. Prof G.L. Peiris, the High Commissioner of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka in Canberra, Australia Admiral Thisara Samarasinghe, who is also accredited to Solomon Islands visited to Solomon Islands on 22nd May 2014 and called on His Excellency Gordon Darcy Lilo, Prime Minister of Solomon Islands and handed over a letter from His Excellency Mahinda Rajapaksa, President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of         Sri Lanka and also handed over a bank draft of USD 50,000.00 to Hon. Connelly Sandakabatu, Minister for Development Planning and Aid Coordination.

The meeting with His Excellency Gordon Darcy Lilo, Prime Minister of Solomon Islands and Hon. Connelly Sandakabatu.  Minister for Development Planning and Aid Coordination was also attended by Mr. Robert Iroga, Chief of Staff of the Prime Minister and Mr. Ranjith Hewagama, Hony Consul designate in Solomon Islands.  

His Excellency the Prime Minister of Solomon Islands conveyed his profound gratitude for the donation and appreciated the gesture of His Excellency Mahinda Rajapaksa to support the people of Solomon Islands in this hour of need.  H E the Prime Minister assured the High Commissioner that the invaluable funds donated by the Government of Sri Lanka would be gainfully utilized in providing immediate challenges of shelter, food and sanitation.  Prime Minister also recalled his memorable time in Sri Lanka during the CHOGM 2013 and once again congratulated the President and the Government of Sri Lanka for the rare achievement. .

H E the Prime Minister conveyed his best wishes to His Excellency the President and the people of Sri Lanka and emphasized the valuable and strong friendship that exist between the two countries and encouraged to further enhance the existing good relations. 

High Commissioner also called on the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon, Clay F Soalaoi   and the Secretary/Foreign Affairs Mr Beraki Jino who also very appreciative of the kind gesture of the cash donation. 

High Commission of Sri Lanka

Canberra