The newly appointed Sri Lanka Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the World Trade Organization (WTO) Mr. R.D.S. Kumararatne, formally Director General of Commerce of the Department of Commerce presented his credentials to the Director General of the World Trade Organization Mr. Roberto Azevêdo on 15th June 2015.
At the presentation of credentials, Ambassador Kumararatne had the opportunity of exchanging views with the Head of the WTO on wide range of subject matters of interest to Sri Lanka. While briefing on current economic and political developments taking place in Sri Lanka, he has emphasised on the possible technical assistance of the WTO to enhance the capacity of the relevant institutions. He also highlighted the progress that Sri Lanka has made in connection with the implementation of Trade Facilitation Agreement of the WTO and briefed on the initiatives taken by Sri Lanka to introduce single portal to facilitate import export trade. In this regard, he has sought technical and possible funding assistance for the launch of the single portal by the Sri Lanka.
Recalling his visit to Sri Lanka in 2010 as the representative of G-15, the Director General of WTO was pleased to note the developments taking place in Sri Lanka, while appreciating active role played by Sri Lanka in the WTO negotiations.
Ambassador Kumararatne is the Seventh Sri Lanka Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the World Trade Organization. He holds a career record of nearly 30 years in the Department of Commerce, Colombo and his previous overseas assignments include as Trade Representative of Sri Lanka Missions in Pakistan, Italy, South Africa, Canada and Belgium. Prior to his appointment as the Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the WTO, Mr. Kumararatne served as the Director General of Commerce of the Department of Commerce since September 2013.
Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka to the World Trade Organization
Geneva
16 June 2015
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