Foreign Minister inaugurates Sri Lanka - German Business Council in Frankfurt

(August 22, Frankfurt, Sri Lanka Guardian) The Sri Lanka – German Business Council established on the initiative of the Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Frankfurt was inaugurated by Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama yesterday (21 August 2008) at the Marriot Hotel in Frankfurt, Germany.

The Business Council has been established to bring together Sri Lankan and German businessmen engaged in trade between the two countries. Minister Bogollagama speaking to the business community expressed the hope that this forum would help to enhance connectivity given the tremendous potential in increasing bilateral trade.

The Foreign Minister further highlighted the trade and Investment opportunities in Sri Lanka and made particular reference to the GSP+ scheme of the EU, as well as a avenues available to German investors wanting to make Sri Lanka a base to enter the vast South Asian markets under the Free Trade Agreements with India and Pakistan. He emphasized the special focus of Sri Lankan Missions abroad in promoting economic diplomacy.

Minister Bogollagama also addressed the Sri Lankan diaspora in Frankfurt, representing all communities. The Minister briefed them on the emerging post- conflict scenario, particularly in the Eastern Province and the Government’s democratic agenda for the North and East, which includes empowering the people to participate actively in the democratic process. He told the audience how a former child soldier of the LTTE had embraced the democratic mainstream and has now been elected as the Chief Minister of the Eastern Province.

He gave a detailed account of the rehabilitation and reconstruction work that was taking place in the North and the East. The members of the Sri Lankan diaspora who spoke at the event identified themselves as one Sri Lankan community and pledged to work together. They expressed their solidarity with the Sri Lankan Government in its efforts to eradicate terrorism and bring about a lasting peace under the leadership of President Mahinda Rajapaksa. This event was part of Foreign Minister Bogollagama’s ‘Community Centric Agenda’ for strengthening foreign relations and recognizing the importance of the Sri Lankan diaspora.

Minister Bogollagama was accompanied by Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to Germany, T.B. Maduwegedera, Consul General in Frankfurt, B. Athauda and other senior officials.
- Sri Lanka Guardian