Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, received His Excellency Paul Stephens, High Commissioner of Australia to Sri Lanka, for a farewell call at the Prime Minister’s Office on 4 August 2025.
Welcoming the High Commissioner, the Prime Minister expressed appreciation for his significant contributions in strengthening bilateral relations during his tenure. The High Commissioner commended the Government’s recent initiatives and reaffirmed Australia’s continued support for Sri Lanka’s development efforts.
During the discussion, the Prime Minister elaborated on the Government’s priorities, including strengthening institutional arrangements, reviving previously stalled projects, and the transformative potential of the ongoing education reform project. In response, the High Commissioner acknowledged the importance of such reforms, and reiterated the Australian Government’s support for Sri Lanka’s development initiatives.
The meeting was attended by senior officials from both sides. The Australian delegation included Ms. Lalita Kapur, Deputy High Commissioner, Ms. Sophie Gordon, First Secretary (Development), and Mr. Matthew Lord, Second Secretary (Political) of the Australian High Commission. The Sri Lankan delegation included Mr. Pradeep Saputhanthri, Secretary to the Prime Minister, and Ms. Thiloma Abayajeewa, Deputy Director of the East Asia Division, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism.
Prime Minister’s Media Division