The Prime Minister welcomed the Ambassador and the delegation of Egypt and recalled the long lasting relationship with due respect to the Egypt as the first Arab State to open the Diplomatic mission in Colombo in 1957.
The government of Sri Lanka has already made a arrangement for the issuance of Commemorative Stamp to mark the 66th anniversary of the Diplomatic relations between two Nations in 2023 and the commemorative event will be organized with Egypt – Sri Lanka friendship association.
The Ambassador referred to the friendship between two nations over a decades and tanked Sri Lanka for the support extended by in the international arena. He further, appreciated the Sri Lanka’s stand on current issues in Gaza strip.
Expressing appreciated over the Sri Lanka investments in Egypt, the Ambassador called for more Sri Lankan investments in Egypt. The Egypt government is very keen to make feasible environment for Sri Lanka investors.
The Prime Minister said high priority was given to get back to the tea market in Egypt and development of tea market in other African countries through Egypt. Further, it was emphasized the importance of the high tech products towards the knowledge economy in Sri Lanka rather than the labour intensive industries such as apparel etc. as there is a considerable competition from other countries in the South Asian region. The Egypt has already assigned their high priority for the Arab – Sri Lanka business forum towards enhancing the business collaboration between Sri Lanka and Arab Nations.
The Ambassador called Sri Lanka’s attention towards re- branding the country as a convenient tourist destination to the world while highlighting tourism opportunities in Sri Lanka.
Further, Egypt is willing to bring back Arab language teachers who were in Sri Lanka few years back to facilitate Arab language studies for Sri Lanka students and all the expenses in this regard will be borne by the Egypt government.
Finally, it was emphasized the close relationship between two nations would an added advantage for both in the international arena.
Member of Parliament Yadamini Gunawardena, Additional Secretary Mahinda Gunaratne, Prime Minister’s Adviser Susiripala Tennakoon participated for this event.
Prime Minister’s Media