Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to Indonesia, Sashikala Premawardhane, formally presented her Letters of Credence to Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto at the Istana Merdeka presidential palace in Jakarta on June 8, NewsFirst reported.
The ceremonial occasion at the palace was marked by a Guard of Honour and the formal presentation of credentials, concluding with a group courtesy call on the Indonesian President. Ambassador Premawardhane conveyed warm greetings from President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation with Indonesia, the report said.
Both sides discussed broadening engagement across multiple sectors and exploring new opportunities for collaboration, particularly as the two countries prepare to commemorate the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations in August 2027. President Subianto welcomed the envoy and extended best wishes for a successful tenure, expressing confidence in the continued growth of ties between the two countries.
Premawardhane brings more than 28 years of diplomatic service to the role. A senior figure in Sri Lanka’s Foreign Service, she most recently served as Additional Secretary (Bilateral Political Affairs – East) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism in Colombo. Her earlier postings include serving as Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to Singapore between June 2019 and September 2023.
Tuesday’s ceremony comes against the backdrop of a steadily warming Colombo–Jakarta relationship. The two governments signed a visa exemption arrangement as part of their strategic partnership earlier this year, and Indonesia dispatched its training ship KRI Bima Suci to Colombo for a goodwill port call during the cycle. Indonesia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Anis Matta held bilateral talks in Colombo as part of an Indo-Pacific engagement push.
The 2027 anniversary is being treated as a milestone in both capitals, with Foreign Ministry officials in Colombo and Jakarta expected to draft a commemorative joint declaration over the next eighteen months.
Source: NewsFirst — Sri Lanka’s Envoy Meets Indonesia’s President at Jakarta Palace.
