Mr. D. Wijesinghe, the former Secretary to the Cabinet, and the resident High Commissioner of Sri Lanka in Pretoria, South Africa, presented his Credentials to The Right Honourable Sir Anerood Jugnauth, the President of Mauritius, on 06 July 2010 in Port Louis, Capital of Mauritius, as the newly accredited High Commissioner of Sri Lanka with resident in Pretoria.

Mr. Wijesinghe, during his visit to Mauritius met the President, Cabinet Ministers, government officials and other influential civil society representatives and discussed wide range of issues pertaining to further enhancement of bilateral co-operation between the two island nations. He briefed the President and other political dignitaries on the post war developments in Sri Lanka, such as rapid resettlement of IDPs, rebuilding of war ragged areas, and especially on the measures that are being taken to find a lasting political solutions for the grievances of minorities in Sri Lanka. On the issue of UNSG’s unilateral appointment of Panel of Experts, High Commissioner explained the reasons behind Government’s opposition, stating it’s unnecessary interference on the internal affairs of a member country, breaching of the accepted UN protocol etc,. Mauritius is a home for thousands of Indian arraigned Tamils: and therefore it is known that leaders and people of Mauritius have been sensitive to the North/East situation in Sri Lanka.

For the first time in recent past, 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 large number of Indian and Sri Lankan Tamils gathered. High Commissioner 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 the discussions with Labour Minister, it was agreed to revise the existing Employer-Employee agreement enabling further improvement of 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 British in the 19th century. He eventually died there and even today the monument erected in memory of the Minister of the last King of Sri Lanka is considered as an important historical location in the Island. The High Commissioner visited this monument, too.

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

High Commission of Sri Lanka
Pretoria

19.07.2010