At the invitation of the governments of Singapore and Sri Lanka, the Governor-General will next week visit both nations to celebrate and strengthen our relationships.

“I look forward to representing Australia in both Singapore and Sri Lanka. We have a rich history and very modern connections with both countries. This visit is about celebrating our shared past and looking to even closer cooperation in the future,” the Governor-General said.

The State Visit to Singapore marks and celebrates 60 years of diplomatic relations between our nations. During the visit the Governor-General will meet with Singapore’s President and Prime Minister, honour our shared history (in this the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War) at Kranji War Memorial and Changi Chapel, and learn about the warm and broad-ranging ties between our nations and people, including in the economic, defence, science and research, education and cultural sectors.

The visit to Sri Lanka celebrates more than 75 years of diplomatic relations, underpinned by close people-to-people ties including the community of more than 180,000 Australians of Sri Lankan descent. During the visit the Governor-General will meet with the President and Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, and spend time learning about our shared interests in education, culture, business and preserving a stable and prosperous Indian Ocean region.

His Excellency the Honourable Chris Dawson AC APM, Governor of Western Australia, will serve as Administrator of the Government of the Commonwealth of Australia from 3-10 August.