Governor General David Johnston of Canada expressed this sentiment when Sri Lanka's High Commissioner designate Ahmed A. Jawad presented his Credentials to the Governor General at a ceremony held at the Rideau Hall in Ottawa on Thursday, 10th September.

At an audience that followed the presentation, the new High Commissioner among other matters, briefed the Governor General on recent developments in Sri Lanka, including the Presidential and General Elections, and the emergence of a consensus based political culture in the country characterized by an all-inclusive approach. This, he said included an engagement with the large Sri Lankan diaspora around the world comprising all communities.

High Commissioner Jawad recalled the historically warm relations between the two countries based on commonwealth ties and values and elaborated on the commercial, economic and investment prospects in the country. He welcomed the Canadian government and private sector to be part of Sri Lanka's development drive.

Governor General David Johnston among other matters said "High Commissioner Jawad, welcome to Canada for this latest posting in your distinguished diplomatic career".

"Dating back 60 years, Canada and Sri Lanka's long-standing relationship stems from our shared Commonwealth heritage. It's also anchored by our strong people-to-people ties: the Sri Lankan diaspora in Canada is estimated to number between 250,000 and 300,000 people," he further stated.

The Governor General noted that "these relationships are a wonderful basis upon which to deepen our friendship and work together to build peace and prosperity in our respective countries. Canada looks forward to a bright future working with Sri Lanka."