President Rajapaksa who was honoured with the highest Award of the Bahrain
returns to the island completing his two day official tour.
The President began his official tour of Bahrain last Monday. On arrival in the capital Manama, the President was accorded a very warm welcome by the Prime Minister of Bharain Prince Khalifa Bin Salman Bin Hamad Al Khalifa and Governor of Muharak Salman Bin Hindi.
Bahrain which has the fastest growing economy in the Arab world is a state rich in oil and recently it has undertaken large scale investments in the banking, financial and tourism enterprises. Sri Lanka and Bahrain began official state ties from the year 1992.
The most significant victory Sri Lanka achieved during this tour is the presentation of Bahrain’s highest state award to President Rajapaksa. The President received this prestigious Khalifa Medal from the King of Bahrain Hamad Bin Isa Al Khalifa at the Al Sakhir Palace. The President arrived at the Palace in a special procession led by horse carriages. King Hamad Bin Isa Al Khalifa and Prime Minister Prince Khalifa Bin Salman Bin Ahmed Al Khalifa accorded a rousing welcome to the President. A military Guard of Honour was also accorded to the President.
The medal has been presented to a handful of notable leaders and it is a notable achievement for Sri Lanka as the President had also been honoured with this Award.
Receiving the Award, the President emphasized that he seeks to build an enhanced dynamic partnership.
Thereafter four Memoranda of Understanding were inked between Sri Lanka and Bahrain. These related to Sports, Cultural and Arts. Another agreement was between the Colombo and Bahrain Universities.
During bilateral discussions, the two leaders discussed a number of matters of mutual interest while also expressing the mutual support of the two countries in the international arena.
The bilateral talks that took place during the tour between President Rajapaksa and the Bahraini Prime Minister Prince Khalifa Khan Salman Bin Ahmed Al Khalifa were the most significant. Views were exchanged with respect to several spheres. The Bahraini Prime Minister mentioned that this was the first time that a Sri Lankan President had visited Bahrain.
Another significant moment of the President’s visit was his meeting with the Sri Lankan community in Bahrain. The meeting organized by the Sri Lankan Embassy in Bahrain was held at the Ritz Carlton Hotel.
The President on his arrival at the Hotel was accorded a rousing welcome by the Sri Lankans. Addressing the Sri Lankan community, the President said he is very happy to have unveiled state ties with Bahrain even after a long lapse. Recalling the highest consideration given to the Sri Lankans by King Hamad Bin Isa Al Khalifa, President Rajapaksa said that the King had spoken very high of the contributions made by Sri Lankans.
When the President intimated to them about the presentation of the Khalifa Medal to him, the Sri Lankans highly appreciated it.
This gathering was organized under the auspices of the Sri Lankan Ambassador to Bahrain Anura M. Rajakaruna.
Ministers Prof. G.L. Peiris, Risath Bathiyuideen and Dilan Perera, Deputy Minister Sarath Weerasekara, Western Provincial Councillor Nauser Fowzie and President’s Secretary Lalkith Weeratunge joined the President in this visit.
The Business meeting held under the patronage of Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris was an impetus to this tour. Details about the investment opportunities available for Bahraini entrepreneurs were revealed at this meeting.
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