Mauritius for Sri Lanka’s entry to Small Island Developing States
Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena held a discussion with Mauritius High Commissioner Haymandoyal Dillum about the expansion of trade and investment relations between the two countries. He urged to explore possibility of investments in new areas including power and energy, during a discussion held with the High Commissioner when the latter called on him at the Temple Trees today (June 5).
They discussed close collaboration in multilateral organizations such as Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), of which both are founder members and African Union in which Mauritius is a member and Sri Lanka obtained Observer Status.
Over the past six years the exports of Sri Lanka to Mauritius have increased at an annualized rate of 37.7%, from $768k in 2017 to $7.5 M in 2023. There is need for further diversifying trade, the Prime Minister said.
High Commissioner Dillum expressed satisfaction of speedy recovery in tourism in Sri Lanka and said there is vast potential for collaboration in the hospitality industry. He said the two countries have common tourist attractions such as beautiful beaches and holiday resorts and added that Mauritius could provide expertise in hospitality industry to Sri Lanka.He said a substantial number of Sri Lankans employed in Mauritius and expressed satisfaction over the contribution made by expatriate Sri Lankans to the economies of his country as well as Sri Lanka. The Prime Minister thanked the Mauritius government for providing employment opportunities to Sri Lankans.
The envoy asked Sri Lanka to join Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and assured support of Mauritius for Sri Lanka’s membership. 29 Island States including Singapore, Mauritius, Maldives are members of SIDS.
Secretary to the Prime Minister, Anura Dissanayake and other senior officials were present during the meeting.
Parliamentarian Yadamini Gunawardena and Secretary to the Prime Minister Anura Dissanayake were present on this occasion.
Prime Minister’s Media