- The Republic of Seychelles is one of the internationally active countries in the African Region.  Diplomatic relations between Seychelles and Sri Lanka were established at Ambassadorial level in 1988 and at present the High Commissioner of Sri Lanka in Pretoria is concurrently accredited to Seychelles.  H.E. the President of Sri Lanka undertook a State visit to Seychelles in late June this year and during the visit the two leaders expressed their strong desire to broaden and deepen economic, diplomatic  ties between the two countries.  Some of the outcomes of the visit are -

*    Sri Lankan Air Lines and Mihin Lanka to commence direct air traffic between the two countries;

*    Bank of Ceylon, with the concurrence of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, to establish a Bank of Ceylon Branch in Seychelles;

*    The Insurance Corporation of Sri Lanka to establish a Branch Office in Seychelles; and

*    Nawaloka Group of Sri Lanka is considering the establishment of a Hospital in Seychelles.

The proposal made by Hon. (Prof.) G.L. Peiris, Minister of External Affairs, to establish a Resident Diplomatic Mission of Sri Lanka in Victoria, Seychelles and to proceed with the connected activities, was approved by the Cabinet.