Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa held a bilateral meeting with Canadian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka and the Maldives Isabelle Martin at the Office of the Leader of the Opposition in Colombo.
During the meeting, the two sides discussed Sri Lanka’s ongoing macroeconomic challenges and the socioeconomic impact following Cyclone Ditwah.
Premadasa stressed the need for international assistance and reiterated his appeal for the International Monetary Fund to ease conditions attached to its support programme, stating that priority should be given to relief, reconstruction and restoring livelihoods in affected communities.
Premadasa also expressed appreciation for Canada’s climate finance and development assistance, highlighting the CAD 5 million “Access Sri Lanka” project funded by Global Affairs Canada. The initiative focuses on climate-smart agriculture, sustainable land and watershed management, and supporting marginalised female farmers in Sri Lanka’s Dry Zone.
The discussions also covered democratic governance, human rights and ethnic reconciliation. Premadasa reaffirmed his commitment to the full implementation of the 13th Amendment to the Constitution and said Provincial Council elections were essential for an inclusive democratic system.
Both parties further discussed expanding economic cooperation between Sri Lanka and Canada. They acknowledged recent initiatives introduced by the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Sri Lanka aimed at strengthening bilateral trade, attracting investment and integrating Sri Lanka into Canada’s wider Indo-Pacific commercial strategy. (Newswire)