CHAMINDA PERERA
COLOMBO : Health and Mass Media Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa on Thursday (23) said that Economic co-operation continues to be one of the most dynamic pillars of partnership between Maldives and Sri Lanka.
He was of the view that close geographical proximity between the two nations have created natural advantages for trade, investment, tourism and business collaboration.
“We believe there is considerable untapped potential to further expand bilateral trade, strengthen supply chains, encourage investment and promote greater private sector partnerships for the benefit of both economies”, the Minister said.
The Minister was speaking at a reception hosted by the Maldivian High Commission to mark the 61st National Day of the Maldives held in Colombo.
He added that several thousand Maldivians have chosen Sri Lanka for education, medical care and professional training. “Many generations of Maldivian students have pursued their studies in Sri Lanka, while Sri Lankan universities and training institutions have contributed to building professional and institutional capacity in the Maldives”, he added.
“When Sri Lanka faced the devastation of Cyclone Ditwah, the people and the Government of Maldives stood with us in extraordinary solidarity, emerging as our single largest donor, a remarkable expression of friendship that Sri Lanka will always remember with deep gratitude,” the Minister added.
Maldives High Commissioner in Colombo Masood Imad said that the bilateral partnership between Sri Lank and the Maldives are broadening to an unprecedented level.
He was of the view that the recent State visit of Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu to Sri Lanka has created a fresh momentum for deeper collaboration across health, education, trade and institutional partnership.
He also spoke about the initiatives to introduce the Maldives fish products to the Sri Lankan market. The High Commissioner also added that Sri Lankan professionals working in the Maldives have helped strengthen the economy of his country.
The High Commissioner also said that the proposed expansion of services of Bank of Maldives to Colombo will help further cement ties between the two nations.
“For centuries Sri Lanka has been a trusted partner and close friend for Maldives and Sri Lanka has been a valued partner for education and healthcare of many Maldivians”.
