Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena thanked the Saemaul Foundation of Korea for its generous assistance to implementation of infrastructure and livelihood development projects in selected villages in Sri Lanka to uplift the rural economy.
The President of Saemaul Foundation Lee Seung Jong and senior officials of the Foundation called on Prime Minister at the PM’s Office in Parliament today to discuss future projects of Saemaul in Sri Lanka.
While welcoming the delegation, the Prime Minister conveyed deepest condolence to Korea for the tragic incident occurred in Seoul on 29th October 2022, which resulted in the loss of lives and caused injury to many others including a Sri Lankan National.
Premier Gunawardena extended appreciation to the Government and the people of Korea for the assistance extended during the COVID - 19 pandemic and acknowledged with appreciation the higher education opportunities / training programmes provide for Sri Lankans through Korean International Cooperation Agency ( KOICA ) and other institutions. He asked the delegation to consider higher quota and continues opportunities for Sri Lankans for capacity building and training.
Mr Lee Seung Jong said Saemaul Movement is a community development movement, which contributes to improve community wellbeing in rural communities through agricultural production, household income, village life, communal empowerment and regeneration, and women’s participation.
The Saemaul Foundation has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Provincial Council of Sabaragamuwa and conducted few development projects in selected two villages - Pahalagama Grama Niladhari Wasama in Ehaliyagoda and Pithyegama Grama Niladhari Wasama in Rambukkana.
The Saemaul Foundation President said he plans to commence projects in Kegalle and Nuwaraeliya shortly.
He also agreed to the Prime Minister’s request to assist capacity building programmes for officials of the Ministry of Public Administration, Home Affairs, Provincial Councils and Local Government.
Secretary to the Prime Minister Anura Dissanayake, Korean Ambassador Woonjin Jeong, Project Director - Saemaul Foundation Kwon Lyungmin, Country Director of Saemaul Foundation Sri Lanka office, Choi, Sung Woo, Chief Officers, Hwangbo Kyeong and Kim Bomin also were present on this occasion.