The Prime Minister welcomed Ambassador (Mrs.) Carmen Moreno and Mr. Lars Bredal, the deputy head of the EU delegation and expressed sincere gratitude for EU assistance extended during the difficult period in Sri Lanka.
The PM recalled the strong relationship between EU and Sri Lanka over a decades and thanked EU for the concessions provided through GSP Plus facility for the Sri Lankan exports to the European market. Specially, he emphasis the export of textile products and fisheries products to EU countries. He also urged to explore the possibility of export of Cinnamon and agriculture products to the EU market.
The cooperation with Universities of the EU countries for education sector development of Sri Lanka was also taken into consideration and the Ambassador also assured her support for enhancing the ties with EU Universities.
The Ambassador explained the possible assistance that the EU Global Gateway strategy encourages in areas such as;
• Public and private investment in infrastructure
• Green Energy
• Education and research for sustainable development
The possibility of the partner with European Investment Bank in securing investments related loans for green transition, digitalization, connectivity, health, education and research and innovations was also taken into high consideration.
Further, the Ambassador highlighted the potential opportunities in the field of Tourism (specially wellness tourism), fisheries sector production, and guaranteed the EU commitments for assistance to Sri Lanka in the same.
It was agreed that a Guarantee Fund will be established with EU support for the investment guarantee for investors with special concern to investors from EU countries.
Deputy Head of the European Union delegation, Lars Bredal, Member of Parliament Yadamini Gunawardena, Additional Secretary Mahinda Gunaratne, Prime Minister’s Adviser Susiripala Tennakoon participated for this event.
Prime Minister’s Media.