Sri Lanka’s envoy to Canada, Asoka Girihagama presented his Credentials as Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to Governor General Julie Payette of Canada at a ceremony held at the Rideau Hall in Ottawa on 13^th November 2018. Senior officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Canada and Diplomats attended the ceremony which was held to mark the presentation of credential by five envoys representing Mongolia, Egypt, Sri Lanka, The Gambia and Uzbekistan.

Addressing the five new envoys to Canada, the Governor General, in her welcome address, spoke briefly on the bilateral ties shared between each of the five countries and Canada. Referring to Sri Lanka, the Governor General noted the long standing relations between Sri Lanka and Canada and outlined issues of mutual interest.

At an audience following the presentation of credentials, the new High Commissioner among other matters, briefed the Governor General on recent developments in Sri Lanka. High Commissioner Girihagama stated that he was keen to improve trade and investment relations between Sri Lanka and Canada and encourage Canadian investments in Sri Lanka. He also stated that as a country with numerous sites and tourist attractions, Sri Lanka had immense potential to offer many diverse options to potential tourists from Canada.

High Commissioner Girihagama is a senior Diplomat counting over 26 years in the Sri Lanka Foreign Service. He has served in Embassies/High Commissions of Sri Lanka in Hungary, Austria, New Delhi, Australia, and the United Arab Emirates. Prior to his appointment as High Commissioner to Canada, he served as Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to the Sultanate of Oman and as Senior Director General, South Asia and SAARC.

 He is married with one daughter.

Sri Lanka High Commission

Ottawa

14^th November 2018