Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera says the Ethiopian constitution will be an inspiration to Sri Lanka which in now in the process of formulating a new constitution.

"The National Unity Government elected in 2015 was taking the country forward during the last two years under the three pillars of democratization, reconciliation and development. Sri Lanka is in the process of finalizing a new Constitutional draft that celebrates the diversity of Sri Lana," Samaarweera said, addressing the opening of the Sri Lankan embassy in the Ethiopian capital.

Addressing the gathering, Foreign Minister Samaraweera highlighted Sri Lanka’s new policy of restoring friendship with traditional friends and allies, and building stronger relations with the African region.

He stated that the Cabinet of Ministers approved the opening of a new Mission here in Ethiopia as it is now virtually the diplomatic and political capital of Africa, with the headquarters of the 54 member strong African Union here in Addis Ababa.

He reiterated that Sri Lanka’s objective in opening a resident Mission in Addis Ababa is not only to strengthen our bilateral relations with Ethiopia, but also to engage with the African Union, to enhance our fraternity with Africa.

The Foreign Minister added that obtaining Accreditation Status in the African Union (AU) in 2014 as a non-African State, offers prospects for enhancing cooperation between Sri Lanka and the African region and that Sri Lanka look forward for its observer status in the future.