July 06, Colombo (LNW): Australia has appointed seasoned diplomat Matthew Duckworth as its incoming High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, signalling a continued commitment to deepening diplomatic, economic, and security ties with the South Asian nation.
The announcement was made by Australia’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator Penny Wong, who highlighted the strategic importance of the bilateral relationship, particularly in the context of the Northeast Indian Ocean.
Duckworth, a long-serving official within the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), brings with him a wealth of experience in international negotiations and regional affairs.
Most recently, he held senior roles as Assistant Secretary of the United States Trade Taskforce and Deputy Chief Negotiator for the Australia-European Union Free Trade Agreement. His previous overseas postings include assignments in Indonesia and Cambodia, where he worked on issues ranging from regional diplomacy to trade facilitation and international development.
In her statement, Senator Wong underscored the multifaceted nature of Australia’s relationship with Sri Lanka, built on decades of cooperation in areas such as development assistance, maritime security, and humanitarian engagement.
She noted that the partnership is underpinned not only by institutional collaboration but also by enduring social and cultural bonds, shaped significantly by Australia’s vibrant Sri Lankan diaspora, which now exceeds 160,000 people.
“Our engagement with Sri Lanka is broad and deep,” Senator Wong remarked. “We work together on matters of mutual concern, including transnational crime, maritime security, and irregular migration. Our people-to-people links continue to grow, enriching both nations and fostering lasting connections.”
She also took the opportunity to extend her appreciation to outgoing High Commissioner Paul Stephens, who has served in the role since 2022. His tenure was marked by efforts to strengthen bilateral trade, expand regional cooperation, and support Sri Lanka’s economic recovery during a period of domestic challenges.
