Following the presentation of Credentials, Ambassador Gunasekera had a brief meeting with the Co-Prince in which she conveyed the warm greetings and best wishes of the President of Sri Lanka. She also apprised the Co-Prince of the vibrant nature of bilateral relations between Sri Lanka and Andorra, and on cooperation in multilateral fora. The Co-Prince H.E. Macron extended his warm greetings to the President, the Government and the people of Sri Lanka, and looked forward to further strengthening existing cooperation between Sri Lanka and France across sectors.
In his address to the Ambassadors presenting Credentials, the Co-Prince recalled the special role of the President of the French Republic as “the guardian of a tradition and a long history” that united over centuries the Principality of Andorra lying in the heart of the Pyrannes with France. The Co-Prince appreciated the cooperation and friendly ties that the countries present including Sri Lanka maintained with Andorra which helped forge further political, economic, commercial and cultural ties with the Principality. The Co-Prince also referred to Andorra’s strengthening partnership with the European Union. The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Andorra H.E. Imma Tor Faus was also present at the Credentials Ceremony.
Previously on 15 March 2024, as part of the Credentials process, Ambassador Gunasekera presented her Letters of Credence to the Co-Prince of the Principality of Andorra His Eminence Joan-Enric Vives i Sicília, the Bishop of Urgell, at the Episcopal Palace in La Seu d’Urgell. During her visit to Andorra, the Ambassador had a meeting with Minister of Foreign Affairs of Andorra H.E. Imma Tor Faus where discussions focussed on bilateral relations between Sri Lanka and Andorra and on areas of shared interest. During the visit, the Ambassador also attended the Reception hosted by the President of the Parliament of Andorra H.E. Vicenç Mateu Zamora to celebrate the 31st Anniversary of the Constitution Day of Andorra on 14 March 2024. At the Reception, the Ambassador exchanged greetings with the Prime Minister of Andorra His Excellency Xavier Espot Zamora.
The Principality of Andorra has a unique diarchical arrangement where the Bishop of Urgell and the President of France serve as Andorra's co-princes, following tradition. Ambassador Gunasekera is currently Sri Lanka’s resident Ambassador to France with concurrent accreditation to the Principality of Andorra.
