Former South African President praises AKD for efforts on unity, economic reform

Saturday, 28 June 2025 01:07 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Former President of the Republic of South Africa Thabo Mbeki called on President Anura Kumara Disanayake on Thursday at the Presidential Secretariat.

Mbeki, who is on his first visit to Sri Lanka, expressed his confidence in President Disanayake’s ability to unite Sri Lanka’s diverse communities and overcome current economic and reconciliation-related challenges.

He noted that he was pleased to visit Sri Lanka at this significant moment, the President’s Media Division (PMD) stated.

Although South Africa and Sri Lanka are geographically distant, Mbeki observed that both countries share similarities in their multi-ethnic, multi-religious, and multicultural compositions.

The former South African President also expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to visit the country, noting that he has long followed Sri Lanka’s efforts toward national unity and reconciliation with keen interest.

Mbeki added that both countries face similar challenges in achieving peace and reconciliation and expressed his willingness to share lessons learned and experiences from South Africa’s own reconciliation journey.

President Disanayake reaffirmed his commitment to fostering national harmony and reconciliation, while leading the country forward amidst economic challenges.

He affirmed his Government’s dedication to building unity among all ethnic groups and steering Sri Lanka toward stability and progress.

Also present at the meeting were South African High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Sandile Schalk, Thabo Mbeki Foundation Chief Executive Officer Maxwell Boqwana and the Foundation’s Chief Operating Officer Lukhanyo Neer, Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananda Wijepala, and Senior Additional Secretary to the President Roshan Gamage.