Tuesday Jun 09, 2026
Tuesday Jun 09, 2026
Monday, 8 June 2026 05:27 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment Deputy Minister Arun Hemachandra
Sri Lanka has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening cooperation with France and the European Union (EU) in key areas including sustainable development, trade, investment, and climate action, as the French development agency—Agence Française de Développement (AFD) marked 20 years of engagement in the country.
Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment Deputy Minister Arun Hemachandra attended the 20th anniversary celebration of AFD in Sri Lanka, alongside French Ambassador to Sri Lanka Rémi Lambert, EU Ambassador to Sri Lanka and the Maldives Carmen Moreno, and AFD Country Director for Sri Lanka Yazid Bensaïd.
Addressing the event, Hemachandra noted that AFD’s engagement with Sri Lanka began in the aftermath of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, when the country was rebuilding from one of the most challenging periods in its recent history.
He said the partnership has since evolved into a strong and practical development relationship between Sri Lanka and France.
He highlighted AFD’s contributions to sectors such as water and sanitation, urban development, green energy, and climate-resilient development, describing them as investments that improve livelihoods, strengthen communities, and support long-term national development.
The Deputy Minister said Sri Lanka values partnerships that are practical, principled, and future-oriented at a time when challenges relating to climate change, water security, food security, and sustainable development are becoming increasingly interconnected.
He also expressed Sri Lanka’s interest in expanding collaboration with France and the EU in areas including sustainable development, digital transformation, maritime cooperation, and institutional strengthening.
Hemachandra conveyed appreciation to the Government and people of France, the EU, and AFD for their continued support, expressing hope that the next phase of AFD’s engagement in Sri Lanka would be even more people-centred, impactful, and transformative.
