Australia’s Governor-General, Samantha Joy Mostyn, met President Anura Kumara Dissanayake this afternoon (08) at the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo for bilateral discussions.
According to the President’s Media Division (PMD), the talks focused on strengthening the 75-year-old friendship between Australia and Sri Lanka and exploring new areas of cooperation for the mutual benefit of both nations.
Governor-General Mostyn assured that Australia is ready to provide continued support for Sri Lanka’s progress under President Dissanayake’s clear and decisive leadership, with a special focus on boosting the country’s economy.
President Dissanayake noted that the visit would further cement the long-standing ties between the two countries and recalled Australia’s direct and indirect support during the 2004 tsunami and the recent economic crisis.
He expressed gratitude for Australia’s assistance in areas such as economic development, education, defence, tourism, and maritime affairs, while highlighting Australia’s role as a hub for employment, education, and vocational training for Sri Lankans. He added that Sri Lanka could benefit from Australia’s expertise in these sectors and welcomed Australian investment in the favourable business environment now in place.
Governor-General Mostyn arrived in Sri Lanka on 06th of August 2025 for a three-day official visit at President Dissanayake’s invitation. She is scheduled to visit several locations, including Australian-supported projects in Bandaragama, Mirissa, and Weligama.
Sri Lankan representatives at the meeting included Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Economic Development Dr. Anil Jayantha, Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, and Senior Additional Secretary to the President Roshan Gamage.
