Lanka’s first woman envoy to Suriname presents credentials

On August 20, 2026, Ambassador C.A. Chaminda I. Colonne of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka paid her respects to President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons of Suriname. She presented her Letters of Credence, symbolizing her official capacity as the nation's first female ambassador. The presentation took place at the Presidential Palace in Paramaribo, Suriname, where she received a guard of honor.

Colonne conveyed President Anura Kumara Dissanayake's warm greetings to President Geerlings-Simons. Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Business, and Cooperation Melvin Waldie Joy Bouva of Suriname attended the ceremony. President Geerlings-Simons pledged her government's full cooperation and support in strengthening the friendly ties between the two countries.

She expressed interest in sharing Sri Lanka's expertise in economic recovery and sustainable energy, particularly in the Surinamese energy sector. Colonne congratulated President Geerlings-Simons on her historic election as the first woman president of Suriname, recalling that Sri Lanka had once produced the world's first female prime minister, Sirimavo Bandaranaike.

Both countries emphasized their shared history and cooperation within various international forums, including the Non-Aligned Movement and the G-77. They also discussed expanding trade, investment, agriculture, education, culture, ayurvedic medicine, and tourism. Suriname's booming oil and gas sector prompted Colonne to propose joint venture opportunities, utilizing Sri Lanka's ICT expertise in manufacturing and IT services.

Both nations agreed to enhance sea route connectivity through port-to-port connections and explored ways to boost each other's exports. During her stay, Colonne also met with various Surinamese officials, including the Minister of Education, Science, and Culture, Speaker of the National Assembly, President of the Chamber of Commerce, Executive Director of the Suriname Investment and Trade Agency, and Chairman of the Suriname Hospitality and Tourism Association.