Outgoing Australian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Paul Stephens, paid a farewell call on Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya at the Prime Minister’s Office on Monday (August 4).
Prime Minister Amarasuriya extended her appreciation for the High Commissioner’s efforts in strengthening bilateral relations during his tenure, noting the positive momentum in Australia–Sri Lanka cooperation over the past few years.
High Commissioner Stephens commended the Government’s recent initiatives, particularly in governance and economic revival, and reaffirmed Australia’s continued support for Sri Lanka’s development priorities.
The Prime Minister briefed the delegation on key areas of focus for the Government, including:
- Strengthening institutional frameworks
- Reviving previously stalled projects
- The transformative potential of ongoing education reforms
High Commissioner Stephens welcomed these efforts and emphasised Australia’s readiness to partner with Sri Lanka in these areas of reform and progress.
The Australian delegation included:
- Deputy High Commissioner Lalita Kapur
- First Secretary (Development) Sophie Gordon
- Second Secretary (Political) Matthew Lord
The Sri Lankan side was represented by:
- Prime Minister’s Secretary Pradeep Saputhanthri
- Deputy Director of the East Asia Division at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, Thiloma Abayajeewa.
