High Commissioner Masood Imad participated at the meeting organized by Ministry of Foreign Affairs for Colombo-based diplomatic corps. At the event, Hon. Vijitha Herath, Minister of Foreign Affairs, noted that on 23rd September 2024, following a transparent and peaceful electoral process, H.E. the President Anura Kumara Dissanayake was sworn in as the 9th Executive President of Sri Lanka. On 24 September, according to the relevant constitutional procedures, H.E. the President dissolved the then Parliament, and the Parliamentary Election is scheduled to be held 14 November 2024. He highlighted that they are still going through a transition election period.
Until the conclusion of the Parliamentary Election, a Cabinet of three Ministers including H.E. the President is looking after 15 Ministries. While serving as the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Minister Herath himself is looking after five more Ministries. This is the reason why he has not been able to meet most of them individually – and hoped to make closer contact after the parliamentary election.
Foreign Minister Herath also briefed on important developments in the country. He shared that productive discussions were held with the visiting IMF team who reiterated their support to Sri Lanka. This government will work closely with the team on the next phase relating to the Extended Fund Facility (EFF), and the related reform program. Sri Lanka has decided to apply for the membership of the BRICS and the New Development Bank. More details on : https://mfa.gov.lk/remark-by-hon-mfa/
In his interaction with the Foreign Minister, High Commissioner Masood congratulated Foreign Minister Herath on his appointment, and reiterated the close relations between the Maldives and Sri Lanka. High Commissioner assured full support of the Maldives to the new government of Sri Lanka.
