PARLIAMENT

• The Prime Minister of the Republic of Korea says that Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) will give priority to Sri Lanka
• Sri Lankan workers to receive the training with latest technology required to work in Korea through a Korean company in Sri Lanka  in future guaranteed.
• An Economic Joint Commission to increase Korean investment opportunities in Sri Lanka.
• Discussions pertaining to the promotion of the tourism industry in Sri Lanka

Hon. Mahinda Yapa Abeywardana, Speaker of the Parliament of Sri Lanka was assured by Han Duck-soo, Prime Minister of the Republic of Korea that Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) will always give priority to Sri Lanka among its other supporting countries and thus will provide maximum support for the development of education, health and technology in Sri Lanka in the future.

The Prime Minister of the Republic of Korea stated the said during the discussions held yesterday (Nov. 06) with Prime Minister of the Republic of Korea, who is on an official visit to Korea, in Seoul, the capital of Korea.

Speaker Mr. Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena also expressed his gratitude for the fact that the President of Korea said that he would provide support to Korea to alleviate the economic crisis in this country during the meeting with  the President of Sri Lanka at the recent United Nations General Assembly.

As a true friend of Sri Lanka, both sides emphasized the need to further strengthen the bilateral relations that have existed between the two countries for decades.

There was also a discussion regarding the provision of modern technical training needed by Sri Lankan workers working in Korea. The Prime Minister also assured that since Korea's industries have to work with the most modern technologies available, steps will be taken to provide the necessary training in Sri Lanka itself through a Korean institute. The Prime Minister further stated that almost 20000 Sri Lankans are already working in the country and it is expected to further increase the quota given to Sri Lanka.

Discussions were also held between the two parties regarding the promotion of Korean investment opportunities to uplift the country's economy. Accordingly, the necessity of appointing an Economic Joint Commission consisting of representatives of the two countries to conduct related discussions annually was also emphasized.

The Prime Minister also pointed out that Koreans are more interested in visiting Sri Lanka, which is rich in natural and historical heritage. Furthermore, Hon. Mahinda Yapa Abeywardana, Speaker of the Parliament said that the issuance of free visa for Korean tourists in this country will be considered soon.

Obtaining the necessary support to include modern technical subjects in the education sector of this country was also discussed. Accordingly, the Korean Prime Minister assured that the necessary support will be provided through the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA).

Members of Parliament Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Hon. Nimal Piyathissa, Secretary General of Parliament Kushani Rohanadeera and a group of officials were also in attendance of the event.