New Sri Lanka envoy to Mauritius presents credentials

A former Secretary to the Cabinet and Resident High Commissioner of Sri Lanka in Pretoria, South Africa, D. Wijesinghe presented his credentials as the newly accredited High Commissioner of Sri Lanka resident in Pretoria to Rt. Hon. Sir Anerood Jugnauth, President of Mauritius recently in Port Louis, Mauritius.

Mr. Wijesinghe, during his visit to Mauritius met the President, Cabinet Ministers, government officials and other influential civil society representatives and discussed wide a range of issues pertaining to enhancement of bilateral cooperation between the two island nations. He briefed the President and other political dignitaries on the post-war developments in Sri Lanka, such as the rapid resettlement of IDPs, rebuilding of war ravaged areas and especially the measures that are being taken to find a lasting political solution for the grievances of the minorities in Sri Lanka.

On the issue of UNSG’s unilateral appointment of a Panel of Experts, the High Commissioner explained the reasons behind Government’s opposition, stating that it is an unnecessary interference in the internal affairs of a member country, breaching of the accepted UN protocol etc.

Mauritius is home for thousands of Indian Tamils and therefore the leaders and people of Mauritius have been sensitive to the North/East situation in Sri Lanka.

Recently, the Tamil League of Mauritius, along with three other organizations of Tamils (of different origins) resident in the island arranged a reception for the new Sri Lankan envoy, paving the way for a fruitful interaction with a large number of Indian and Sri Lankan Tamils gathered. High Commissioner Wijesinghe explained the ground realities and challenges being faced on achieving a permanent peace in Sri Lanka and sought the understanding and support of the Tamil Diaspora in this regard.

During discussions with the Labour Minister, it was agreed to revise the existing Employer-Employee agreement enabling further improvement of the safety and welfare of Sri Lankan employees in Mauritius. Currently, around 3000 Sri Lankans are living in Mauritius.

The Island is historically linked to Sri Lanka following the expulsion of Ehelepola Adikaram to Mauritius by the British in the 19th century. A Minister under the last King of Sri Lanka, Ehelepola Adikaram eventually died there and even today the monument erected in his memory is considered an important historical location in the Island. The High Commissioner visited this monument, too.

The High Commissioner was assisted by Honorary Consul of Sri Lanka in Mauritius Mohomad Toorawa.

Photo caption: High Commissioner for Sri Lanka in Pretoria, South Africa D. Wijesinghe presenting his credentials to the President of Mauritius. (Right) Mr. Wijesinghe and Mohomad Toorawa at the monument in memory of Ehelepola Adikaram.