Bogollagama meets his Singapore counterpart

(October 16,Colombo, Sri Lanka Guardian) Minister of Foreign Affairs of Singapore, George Yeo, and his delegation had a bilateral discussion with Minister of Foreign Affairs of Sri Lanka, Rohitha Bogollagama, at the Ministry in Colombo. Minister George Yeo was accompanied by the High Commissioner of Singapore to Sri Lanka and the Directorate of South Asia of the Foreign Office of Singapore among others. The bilateral discussion lasted approximately half hour and was most cordial and congenial both in nature and in substance. Minister Yeo was positive and optimistic of the development prospects of Sri Lanka. Minister Yeo coincided his visit with his participation at the Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD), which Sri Lanka hosted on 15th October, 2009 in the capacity of Chair.

Minister Bogollagama stated to his counterpart from Singapore that the timing of his visit to have bilateral discussions and interaction were most timely, after his participation at the ACD in Colombo. This was stated in the context of the dawn of permanent peace in Sri Lanka with the elimination of terrorism, which, today offers significant amount of economic, commercial, social and cultural opportunities and vistas. Minister Bogollagama further suggested to Minister Yeo to enhance the degree of engagement Singapore has with Sri Lanka, in all spheres. He further added that corporates of Singapore had contributed in the transformation of the skyline of the city of Colombo, including the construction of the World Trade Centre. Minister Bogollagama explained, in detail, of the development projects and dimensions, which are under way in the country. These included the ports development, mega highway projects, and other infrastructural projects among others. He further stated that these infrastructural projects would establish greater connectivity within the country as well as with other countries.

With regard to bilateral trade, both the Ministers agreed that bilateral trade could be markedly increased, thus benefiting both the countries. Comprehensive engagement such as a Partnership Agreement with regard to trade could, make a positive contribution in enhancing the bilateral trade. Minister Bogollagama requested Minister Yeo to encourage investors, coporates and companies of Singapore to be engaged with Sri Lanka, in a more pro-active manner, given the newly emerged opportunities. He also added that Singapore Corporates may wish to focus on sectors such as tourism, service, real estate, healthcare, fisheries, IT and construction among others. Minister Yeo was also of agreement that with the entrenchment of peace in Sri Lanka, the opportunities would be significant and economic advancement could be implemented, expeditiously. He further added that corporate leaders and business persons of Singapore have always expressed interest on Sri Lanka but, due to the presence of terrorism in the past, they did not venture into Sri Lanka. He qualified that, today, he would encourage business persons and corporates of Singapore to consider Sri Lanka as a business destination. Minister Bogollagama added that the President of Sri Lanka too wished to attract investors for mega infrastructural development projects, in particular.

Minister George Yeo expressed interest in assisting Sri Lanka and also to assist Jaffna, and particularly the Library of Jaffna. Minister Yeo and his delegation visited the city of Tangalle on 16th October, 2009 for the Inaugural Opening Ceremony of a school, which was funded by Singapore. They are supposed visit Jaffna on 17th October, 2009. Minister Bogollagama added that if primary schools could be built in the district of Jaffna for children to school, it would be most helpful since many of these children had never being to school due to the then terrorism in that region. Minister Yeo, in the context of planning of cities in the rural areas of Sri Lanka, suggested a delegation from Sri Lanka to be sent to Singapore. He further added that tourism would also increase markedly.

Minister Bogollagama briefed his interlocutor from Singapore of the current political process, which is underway. Minister Yeo stated that the key note address of President of Sri Lanka at the ACD Ministerial Meeting on 15th October, 2009 did exemplify the eagerness of his Government to focus on economic advancement and empowerment of people.

Minister Bogollagama was accompanied by the Additional Secretary Political Affairs/East Asia & Pacific and Directors General of Public Communication and Economic Affairs among others.

-Sri Lanka Guardian