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Consul General Lakshman Hulugalle paid a courtesy call on Governor of New South Wales Margaret Beazley AC QC on 13 October and conveyed to her the best wishes from the President and the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka
The Consul General briefed on the stable political government formed in Sri Lanka followed by a recently held Parliamentary Election. He also mentioned that the timely measures taken by the Sri Lankan Government had controlled the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic in the country.
During the discussion, the Consul General emphasised the importance of friendly bilateral relations with Australia and undergoing improved trade, tourism relations between the two countries. He highlighted the advantage of Sri Lanka’s geographical location which can be developed as a regional hub for air and sea transport for economic development of the region. Sri Lanka is also an important trading partner for Australia in the SAARC region and it is a favourable destination for Australian tourists.
Margaret Beazley AC QC recalled her happy memory attending Sri Lanka’s 72nd Independence Day celebration in Sydney and the friendly and hospitable people of Sri Lanka. She also said that the educational links between Sri Lanka and Australia could further improve for the benefit of both countries. She mentioned that Sri Lankan professionals who had migrated to Australia had excelled in their professionalism and contributed immensely.
During the discussion, it was also mentioned that vocational training institutions in Sri Lanka could be linked with Australian counterparts such as Technical and Further Education (TAFE) which could benefit skilled migration from Sri Lanka to Australia. The Consul General extended an invitation for Beazley to visit Sri Lanka once the COVID-19 pandemic is eradicated and international borders are opened.
Hulugalle was accompanied by Consul (Commercial) Abdul Raheem of the Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Sydney.