Ambassador Lavertu concludes his mission and bids farewell to Lanka

French Ambassador Eric Lavertu, accompanied by Deputy Head of Mission Aurélien Maillet, paid a farewell courtesy call on President Ranil Wickremesinghe recently at the Presidential secretariat. A press release from the Embassy said: The exchanges covered the bilateral relationships, the economic investments of France in Sri Lanka and the assistance provided by France in the dire situation experienced by the country. The President expressed his wish to enhance the bilateral relations with France in a wide range of aspects. This meeting was preceded by farewell calls on Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardene, and Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena. Prime Minister Gunawardena thanked the French government for its assistance extended in the fields of education, agriculture, fisheries, tourism and energy sector. Foreign Minister Ali Sabry hosted a diner in honour of the outgoing Ambassador and thanked for his untiring efforts to promote ties and cooperation between Sri Lanka and France during his tour of duty.

During the meetings, Ambassador Lavertu deeply appreciated the gestures of support of the Lankan government and thanked for the close cooperation during his tenure. The Ambassador expressed hope to see the multidimensional relationship between both countries continue to flourish, assuring the French Government will continue to support Sri Lanka, as both countries will be marking the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations on next year Oct 27.

The Ambassador further assured the bilateral relations between the two nations would continue with his successor designated, Jean François Pactet. Ambassador Lavertu presented his credential to the President of Sri Lanka on Nov 1, 2018. He terminated his mission on Oct 5, 2022.