German parliamentary delegation holds high-level meetings in Sri Lanka

Tuesday, 3 March 2020 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The German parliamentary delegation that visited Sri Lanka from 19-24 February, led by Dr Peter Ramsauer, held separate meetings with the Minister of Foreign Relations and Vocational Education Dinesh Gunawardena and Speaker of Parliament Karu Jayasuriya, among other representatives and stakeholders. The cross-party delegation held discussions with Minister Gunawardena on a wide range of topics of common interest, and ways to further strengthen the bilateral relations between the two countries. In this regard, Minister Gunawardena stressed the need for more investments in Sri Lanka, especially in the tourism sector, as the industry is currently slowly recovering in the aftermath of the terrible Easter Sunday attacks. FM Gunawardena also informed the delegation of Sri Lanka’s stance on the Geneva process. Dr. Ramsauer took this opportunity to underline Germany’s commitment to support the country’s reconciliation and accountability efforts. Germany, which has continuously supported Sri Lanka in the field of vocational education and training for over six decades, confirmed its willingness to fund a third vocational training centre that is to be built in the Matara District. Minster Gunawardena agreed that the three vocational training centres (Moratuwa, Kilinochchi, and Matara) should be run under the same institutional roof, and commended Germany for being one of the strongest supporters of the island nation over the course of many years.

During the visit, the delegation also met with Speaker of Parliament Karu Jayasuriya at an official luncheon hosted by him. The consultation mainly focused on the national reconciliation and accountability process and the importance of transparent tender procedures for foreign investments. Head of Delegation Dr. Peter Ramsauer reassured that Germany is ready to continue to support the reconciliation process in Sri Lanka, especially in view of German history. Extending the scope of vocational education and training in the country was also discussed. Speaker Karu Jayasuriya extended his gratitude to Germany for remaining a close friend of the country at all times and stressed the importance of continuing the longstanding bilateral

relations.