Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya welcomed two high-level foreign dignitaries at her office this week as part of continued efforts to ...
Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya welcomed two high-level foreign dignitaries at her office this week as part of continued efforts to strengthen Sri Lanka’s international ties and development initiatives. The Ambassador of the European Union (EU) to Sri Lanka, Carmen Moreno, and the Sri Lanka Director of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), Takafumi Kadono, held separate discussions with the Prime Minister on important bilateral and economic matters.
EU Ambassador Reaffirms Support for Sri Lanka
Ambassador Carmen Moreno paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Amarasuriya at the Prime Minister’s Office in Colombo. The meeting provided an opportunity to reaffirm the enduring partnership between the EU and Sri Lanka, which is rooted in mutual respect, cooperation, and shared goals for sustainable development.
During the discussion, Prime Minister Amarasuriya expressed her appreciation for the EU’s unwavering support, particularly through the Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+), which has been crucial in boosting Sri Lankan exports to Europe. She emphasized the importance of maintaining and strengthening the GSP+ trade agreement, which plays a key role in sustaining Sri Lanka’s economic recovery and export growth.
The Prime Minister also outlined her government's broader vision for economic reform and foreign investment, stressing the need for eliminating corruption and bolstering key institutions such as the Board of Investment (BoI). She noted that the government's commitment to transparency and anti-corruption measures is vital for attracting foreign investors and fostering economic stability.
ADB Director Discusses Continued Development Support
In a separate meeting, Takafumi Kadono, the Sri Lanka Director of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), met with Prime Minister Amarasuriya to discuss ongoing and future development initiatives. The Prime Minister conveyed her gratitude for the ADB's support in various sectors, including infrastructure, education, and social development.
The ADB has played a crucial role in financing and implementing development projects in Sri Lanka, contributing to the country’s long-term growth and sustainability. Prime Minister Amarasuriya expressed hopes for continued collaboration with the ADB, particularly in areas that align with Sri Lanka’s future development goals, including poverty reduction, sustainable infrastructure development, and capacity building for public institutions.
The discussion also included senior officials from both the Sri Lankan government and the ADB, including Cholpon Mambetova, Head of Sri Lanka Operations for the ADB, and Herathbanda Jayasundara, Senior Social Development Officer. The Prime Minister’s Secretary, Pradeep Saputantri, and Director of the ADB Division, Udeni Udugahapattua, were also in attendance.
Strengthening Ties for Sustainable Development
Both meetings underscored Sri Lanka’s commitment to strengthening its diplomatic and economic relationships with key international partners, including the EU and ADB. The European Union’s continued support through trade and development programs, coupled with the ADB’s financial assistance for national projects, is seen as instrumental in helping Sri Lanka navigate its current economic challenges and lay the foundation for sustainable growth.
These high-level discussions reaffirm the critical role that international partnerships play in supporting Sri Lanka’s journey towards development, economic reform, and regional stability.
As the government continues its efforts to rebuild and grow the economy, the cooperation of key global institutions such as the EU and ADB will be pivotal in shaping Sri Lanka's future development trajectory.
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