World Bulletin / News Desk

Sri Lanka has appointed its first-ever ambassador to Turkey.

The country has named Bharthi Wijeratne, who has been serving as Turkey's honorary consul in Colombo for the last 12 years, as its first ambassador in Turkey.

Wijeratne's mandate will officially begin on June 12, after the ambassadress presents her letter of credentials to Turkish President Abdullah Gul.

Sri Lanka had earlier closed down its embassies in a number of countries including the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Austria and Poland.

Sri Lanka's decision to appoint an ambassador to Turkey is an indicator of the country's willingness to improve its relations with Turkey, which it considers a rapidly growing economy, officials said.

Wijeratne's appointment has reinitiated the official diplomatic ties between the two countries after 105 years, officials added.

Nearly a century ago, the Ottoman Empire had two consulates in Colombo and Galle, two strategic ports on the Silk Road.