The High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to Bangladesh Dharmapala Weerakkody, who is concurrently accredited as the non-resident Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the Kingdom of Bhutan, presented his Letters of credence to King of Bhutan Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, on 06 June 2024. The Presentation of Credentials was held in the Grand Kuenray at Tashichhodzong in Thimphu.
Following the Credentials ceremony, Ambassador Weerakkody had an audience with the King. During the audience, Ambassador Weerakkody conveyed the warm greetings and best wishes of the President of Sri Lanka Ranil Wickremesinghe to King Wangchuck and assured Sri Lanka’s continued support and friendship to Bhutan. The Ambassador also reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s commitment to enhance the bilateral partnership and cooperation to new heights through renewed initiatives.
The King of Bhutan congratulated Ambassador Weerakkody on his appointment and wished him success in his endeavors. The King also highlighted the reforms and new initiatives implemented in Bhutan towards its inclusive growth, to achieve Sustainable Development Goals and proactive measures taken to mitigate climate change, protection of biodiversity and the environment. During the discussion, the enduring partnership between Sri Lanka and Bhutan, built on the true spirit of friendship, shared cultural and religious ties, and people-to-people contacts, was also recalled.
While in Thimphu, the new Sri Lankan Ambassador paid courtesy calls on high level dignitaries of the Royal Government of Bhutan including Prime Minister Dasho Tshering Tobgay, Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade Lyonpo D. N. Dhungyel, Minister of Heath Lyonpo Tandin Wangchuk, Minister of Industry, Commerce and Employment Lyonpo Namgyal Dorji, Minister of Education and Skills Development Lyonpo Yeezang De Thapa and discussed matters of shared interest in the bilateral, regional and multilateral fora. The discussions focused on the way forward to further deepen and strengthen the existing mutually beneficial partnership between Sri Lanka and Bhutan in the fields of trade, health, education, science and technology, culture and tourism. Senior officials of the Royal Government of Bhutan were also present during the courtesy calls.