Music Room, Malacañan Palace
June 18, 2019

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte conferred the Order of Sikatuna with the Rank of Grand Cross (Datu), Gold Distinction, to Her Excellency Aruni Ranaraja, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka to the Philippines, in a farewell call at the Music Room of Malacañan Palace.

The Order of Sikatuna was awarded to Ambassador Ranaraja for her contributions in further strengthening the relations between the Philippines and Sri Lanka, as she facilitated the visit of Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena to the Philippines last January. The visit yielded an enhanced and robust cooperation between the two countries in the areas of agriculture, defense, higher education, and tourism.

She was also lauded for her demonstrated commitment in elevating the bilateral dialogue of the two countries on issues of common interest such as the Philippine-Sri Lanka political consultations in 2016 and 2018, and for her efforts in ensuring the Philippine representation in Colombo which is crucial for sustaining the bilateral ties.

During the farewell call, Ambassador Ranaraja was accompanied by Minister Thanuja Dissanayake of the Embassy of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka to the Philippines.

The President was joined by Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Undersecretary Ernesto Abella and DFA-Asian and Pacific Affairs (ASPAC) Assistant Secretary Meynardo Montealegre.

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