Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena has called for an increase in bilateral economic cooperation between New Zealand and Sri Lanka.
According to the Prime Minister’s Office, PM Gunawardena also called for enhancing support under the Colombo Plan.
Gunawardena made the remarks when New Zealand High Commissioner Michael Appleton called on him at Temple Trees, today (June 28).
Recalling that the Sri Lanka Dental College in Maharagama was established under a Colombo Plan grant given by New Zealand, the PM asked for further support for the institution.
High Commissioner Appleton agreed to pay a visit to the Dental College and explore the support his country could provide.
He also said New Zealand is planning to provide expertise for Sri Lanka’s public sector reforms programme, adding that a team headed by the former Public Service Commissioner of New Zealand would come to Sri Lanka shortly to assist this process.
The Prime Minister also asked the High Commissioner to share New Zealand’s experience in solving the land-holding issue of indigenous people as Sri Lanka plans to amend the outdated Lands Ordinance.
They held discussions on the bilateral relations between the two countries and the steps Sri Lanka is taking to overcome the current economic challenges, debt restructuring, trade and investment, and electoral reforms.
MP Yadamini Gunawardena, Additional Secretary to the Prime Minister, Mahinda Gunaratne and Policy Advisor of the New Zealand High Commission, Sumudu Jayaisnghe were also present on this occasion. (NewsWire)