SAARC’s Secretary-General Weerakoon arrives in Maldives

SAARC's Secretary-General Esala Ruwan Weerakoon (L) is greeted upon arrival at the Velana International Airport on October 9, 2021. (Photo/Foreign Ministry)

The Secretary-General of South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), Esala Ruwan Weerakoon arrived in Maldives on Saturday on an introductory visit.

Weerakoon assumed office as the 14th Secretary-General of SAARC in March last year.

Foreign Ministry’s Communication’s Director Miuvan Mohamed told Sun that Weerakoon’s introductory visit to Maldives had been delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“He had not visited Maldives after assuming charge as SAARC’s Secretary-General due to the COVID-19 pandemic. SAARC’s secretary-generals, once they assume charge, usually visit all member countries. This is such a visit,” he said.

SAARC's Secretary-General Esala Ruwan Weerakoon (C) is greeted upon arrival at the Velana International Airport on October 9, 2021. (Photo/Foreign Ministry)

Miuvan said Weerakoon, during his visit, is scheduled to call on Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, Foreign Secretary Abdul Ghafoor Mohamed, and Ambassador at Large and Former SAARC Secretary General, Ahmed Saleem, former Maldivian President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom and President of the Civil Service Commission, Mohamed Nasih.

Weerakoon will conclude his visit and depart Maldives on October 13.

He is accompanied on the visit by his spouse, Krishanti Weerakoon and Director of SAARC Secretariat’s Social Affairs Division, Ismail Mamdhooh.