Those who presented credentials were Ambassador of Mongolia, Gonchig Gangbold, Ambassador of Lithuania, Laimonas Talat-Kelpso, Ambassador of Panama, Sorvio Saul Sanudio Bethancourt and High Commissioner for India, Taranjith Singh Sandhu.

The President briefed the envoys about the three main objectives of the government – economic development and poverty alleviation, reconciliation in order to prevent recurrence of a conflict, and establishment of friendly relations with all the countries.

President Sirisena, referring to close bilateral relations with Sri Lanka and the countries represented by the new envoys expressed confidence that they would strive to further strengthen bilateral economic cooperation and friendship.

The President also recalled the close cooperation between Sri Lanka and those countries at the international forums and thanked them for the support extended to Sri Lanka. He said Sri Lanka too would extend every possible support to those countries.

The President said that he was aware that the new Indian High Commissioner Taranjith Singh Sandhu knows Sri Lanka very well as he served in this country earlier and expressed confidence that he would serve to further strengthen long-established Indo Sri Lanka relations during his tenure as High Commissioner.

Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera, Secretary to the President P. B Abeykoon and Foreign Secretary Esala Weerakoon also participated.