President says 3 more countries assure assistance

Friday, 1 April 2022 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa welcoming Lord Michael Naseby

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa on discussion with South Korean delegation

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa yesterday said three more countries – UK, South Korea and Egypt have come forward to extend assistance to several sectors of Sri Lanka.

The assurances were given at separate meetings the President had with representative of these countries.

A statement from the President’s Media said during meetings held at the Presidential Secretariat the UK, South Korea and Egypt assured that they will assist Sri Lanka in the promotion of several sectors including energy, tourism, foreign employment and technology.

UK Parliament Member of the House of Lords Lord Michael Naseby called on President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and praised the Government’s interest in renewable energy generation.

Lord Naseby said that he would facilitate in getting the support of the UK in generating power from solar and other renewable energy sources. Presenting the book ‘Paradise Lost: Paradise Regained’ authored by him to the President, Lord Naseby recalled his close relationship with Sri Lanka since the time he was a youth.

The President commended Lord Naseby for raising his voice on behalf of Sri Lanka in the UK Parliament.

South Korea Minister for Government Policy Coordination Koo Yun-cheol informed the President that his Government is focused on providing more employment opportunities to Sri Lankans in South Korea. Minister Koo said that he would do his utmost to encourage South Korean entrepreneurs to invest in Sri Lanka and to introduce the latest technology from South Korea to Sri Lanka.

President Rajapaksa thanked the Minister for the development assistance and other assistance received from South Korea and pointed out the opportunities available for value-added products using Sri Lankan raw materials.

Korean Ambassador to Sri Lanka Jeong Woonjin and Deputy Minister of Political Affairs of Korea Ryoo Dae-Young were also present.

Egyptian Ambassador to Sri Lanka Maged Mosleh called on President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and said that Sri Lanka can attract the attention of Egyptian tourists by establishing special tourist zones. Recalling 65 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries, the Ambassador assured full support to Sri Lanka at international fora.

Secretary to the President Gamini Senarath and Principal Advisor to the President Lalith Weeratunga were also present during these meetings.