With the concurrence of the Government of the Kingdom of Bahrain, Mr. P B Higgoda, a Sri Lankan businessman cum philanthropist with long years of experience in the fields of engineering and construction industry has been granted the “Commission of Appointment” by Hon. Rohitha Bogollagama, Minister of Foreign Affairs appointing him as Sri Lanka’s Hony. Consul to the Kingdom of Bahrain. Although, Mr. Higgoda has served as defacto Hony. Consul since 2001, it was only in August 2009 that the Bahrain Government formally accepted his nomination for the post, recommended by the Government of Sri Lanka in 2001.

It is recalled that during the state visit by HH Sheikh Khalifa Bin Salman Al-Khali, Bahraini Premier to Sri Lanka in July 2009 both the President, HE Mahinda Rajapaksa and Foreign Minister Hon. Rohitha Bogollagama stressed the importance of strengthening diplomatic representations between the two countries through establishment of diplomatic missions in both capitals. The appointment of Mr. Higgoda as Hony. Consul to Bahrain is in recognition of his valued services to Sri Lankan community estimated to be over 30,000 as well as for his contribution for further strengthening of Sri Lanka – Bahrain relations.

The Commission of Appointment issued by Foreign Minister Hon. Rohitha Bogollagama was handed over to Mr. Higgoda by the Sri Lankan Ambassador to Kuwait and Bahrain, Sarath Dissanayake in Kuwait on 10th January 2010 thus enabling Mr. Higgoda to carry out his duties in Bahrain as a fully fledged Hony. Consul in keeping with the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations. Accepting the letter, Mr. Higgoda expressed his appreciation of Foreign Minister Bogollagama for the trust and confidence reposed in him to serve the Sri Lankan community and promote Sri Lanka – Bahrain relations as Sri Lanka’s Hony. Consul in Bahrain.

On behalf of the Foreign Minister of Sri Lanka, Ambassador Dissanayake extended his congratulations to Mr. Higgoda on his appointment.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs
11th January 2009