Australia and Sri Lanka to enhance cooperation in maritime security, prevention of drug and human smuggling and fisheries and education sectors

Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena thanked Australia for the assistance provide to Sri Lanka to strengthen maritime security in the Indian Ocean region and requested for further assistance to provide GPS technology to fishing vessels to strengthen communication networks.

He said this when Australian High Commissioner Paul Stephens called on him at the Prime Minister’s Office yesterday.

The Prime Minister said more Australian universities could establish affiliated campuses in Sri Lanka to attract not only local students but also from other countries in Asia, Middle East and Africa. He added that investors should also enter into new areas such as fisheries, agriculture, information technology, renewable energy, electronics and tourism.

He thanked Australia for the support extended to Sri Lanka to overcome current economic crisis, especially for the supply of medicine and essential items worth Australian $ 75 million.

High Commissioner Stephens assured support to Sri Lanka at the discussions with the International Monetary Fund and at the meetings of the Paris Club.

First Secretary Shannon Murney and Secretary to the Prime Minister, Anura Dissanayake also participated in the discussion.