On 3rd September 2012, the Diplomatic Corps of Ambassadors and heads of Missions accredited in the Federal Republic of Germany traveled to the Free State of Saxonia on invitation of the German Federal President, H.E. Mr. Joachim Gauck. The diplomats were welcomed by the Federal President at the airport in Berlin and then traveled to Saxonia, where they visited the EADS aircraft factory in Dresden. Later they took a guided tour through the city of Dresden including the re-constructed Women's Church. In the afternoon, the diplomats took a cruise ship on the Elbe River to Meissen and visited the Saxonian State Vinery at Schloss Wackerbarth. This is the first interaction the newly elected President of the Federal Republic of Germany, H.E. Mr. Joachim Gauck, had with the Diplomatic Corps accredited in Germany.
Federal President Joachim Gauck, the Saxonian Minister President Stanislaw Tillich and numerous other German dignitaries from politics, economy and science were present throughout the trip. In conversations with representatives of the German government, H.E. Ambassador Sarrath Kongahage expressed his gratitude about this opportunity to find out more about German culture.
During the visit, H.E. the Ambassador used the opportunity to brief other Ambassadors and German dignitaries like EADS CEO Dr. Thomas Enders regarding the reconciliation and reconstruction efforts by the Sri Lankan government and the investment opportunities in Sri Lanka. H.E. the President returned to Berlin along with all diplomats on board of the same aircraft.
Embassy of Sri Lanka, Berlin, 25th September 2012