Ambassador of France visits Southern Province

Ambassador of France to Sri Lanka and the Maldives Jean-François Pactet paid a visit to the Southern Province of Sri Lanka from 25-27 March. 

During his visit, the Ambassador called on Southern Province Governor Dr. Willie Gamage and had a cordial exchange on the current economic and political situation in the province. The Governor explained the measures taken by the Government to expand the tourism industry in the province. The ambassador also called on former Speaker Chamal Rajapaksa and had an exchange of views with French investors engaged in the tourism industry in Galle. 

The Ambassador had the pleasure of visiting the Alliance Française in Matara and meeting with the Director and Executive Committee members of the Alliance Française and its annex in Galle. It was a productive exchange of ideas and a reaffirmation of the vibrant cultural exchanges fostered by Alliance Française.  

The joint cooperation between the French Government and the Kotelawala Defence University (KDU) to set up a maritime security and safety school was discussed with the Director General of Coast Guard Rear Admiral Pujitha Vithana at the headquarters of SLCG, Mirissa, followed by a rescue drill. 

The Ambassador had the opportunity to visit the Hambantota International Port. The Hambantota International Port Group (HIPG) COO Tissa Wickremasinghe briefed on the port’s facilities and also the development plans for the port. On the occasion of a visit in Mattala International Airport, the airport team explained the development status and also future prospects of the airport.