Sarath Wijesinghe, H.E. the Ambassador for the United Arab Emirates

The appointment of Dr. Chris Nonis , Physician, Surgeon (studied in UK Harvard,Sri Lanka) and Chairman of Mackwoods established in 1841 is one of the best appointments.

ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ He is no stranger to theUnited Kingdomwhere he studiedƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚  and settled for a brief period professionally and in business.ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚  His appointment is most opportune and timely when theUKƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ…-The Jewel of EuropeƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ”š‚ is in need of an able and vibrant representative ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ for His Excellency the ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ President and the Sri Lankan Government, when the nation is in the main cross road of the history.ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚  He is the best person to constructƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚  bridges between the most beautiful island with the potential and aiming to be the ƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ…-Wonder of AsiaƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ”š‚ and the Diaspora which is extremely powerful and one of the main assets of the nation.ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚  Sri Lankan Diaspora is misguided and misdirected.ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚  They need warmth, friendship, guidance and it is time they be a part of the rapid development and a part of investment, development and reconciliation process.ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ 

ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ We thank him for accepting this most important and prestigious position when a person of his caliber is required to mend bridges and fences with theUKand the European Union.ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚  We have had close friendships and relationships with the West from time immemorial. We are grateful for the West for having shared their systems of Government, education, legal systems, road structure, cultural and business bonds.ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ UKis the main trade partner and most tourist arrivals toSri Lankaare fromUKand the West . Wealth of experience in business of the new High Commissioner and the knowledge on international affairs and professional discipline will be a very rare combination.

ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ Dr. Nonis is not alone.ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚  He is escorted with leading professionals , business community and a dedicated and a vibrant Diaspora.ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚  He will be able to use the Sri Lankan Association of Professionals, Sri Lankan Association of Lawyers, Old Boys Associations , the media, institutions led by ƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ…-News LankaƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ”š‚ and the Diaspora eagerly awaiting for leadership.ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚  We are pleased that the leader has arrived and it is time for theUKand Europe Diaspora to work together with the participation of the international community.ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚  We, as a part of the international community extend fullest cooperation and assistance in all the endeavours and steps taken by His Excellency Dr. Chris Nonis.ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚  Sri Lankan community and the well wishers including the law makers, international organizations and Diasporas of other South Asian countries too are eagerly awaiting for the activism ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ of the man for the era.ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ 

ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ We wish him success.

ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ (Sarath Wijesinghe, H.E. the Ambassador for the United Arab Emirates)

Sarath8@hotmail.com