Poland and Sri Lanka agree to expand bilateral relations

(May 29, Colombo, Sri Lanka Guardian) With the defeat of terrorism, the time is opportune to enhance relations between Sri Lanka and Poland observed Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama when Prof. Piotr Klodkowski, Ambassador of the Republic of Poland paid a courtesy call on the Minister last Tuesday (26 May 2009) following his presentation of credentials to H.E. the President earlier in the day. The Minister pointed out that Poland must reflect on the present Sri Lankan agenda which could be enhanced through economic diplomacy and in this context outlined the need for working towards developing the tea trade, tourism and the technological field especially in IT. Further, the Minister stated that Poland could cooperate with Sri Lanka in providing facilities to the IDPs for which the government was following an action plan.

The Polish Ambassador acknowledged that he was happy to be in Sri Lanka at an important moment in its history and agreed that there was much potential to strengthen bilateral relations. He stated that the President of Poland has been focused on the issue of eliminating terrorism globally. Ambassador Klodkowski observed that Poland was not affected by the financial crisis and wished to expand economic ties with Sri Lanka which includes tourism. He stated that there is an increasing number of Polish nationals travelling abroad and therefore there is much potential for enhancing tourist arrivals from Poland to Sri Lanka.

The Polish Ambassador recalled his personal contacts with Sri Lanka having visited the country earlier. He referred to his knowledge in the Pali language and spoke of his interest in the Buddhist temples and scriptures. Ambassador Klodkowski traced ancient links of Poland with Sri Lanka, and referred to Archbishop Zalewski who had established the Ampitiya seminary in Kandy and his many writings on Sri Lankan culture. He was of the view that cultural links should be based on this aspect.

Minister Bogollagama noted that there had been many Polish priests in Sri Lanka in charge of missionary schools and agreed that it would be useful to promote cultural exchanges between the two countries. For this purpose, the Polish Ambassador undertook to propose ways and means to enhance cultural connections.

-Sri Lanka Guardian