Iceland to open diplomatic mission in Lanka

THE Government of Iceland will open an embassy in Sri Lanka shortly. Iceland has recognised Sri Lanka as a potential development partner and will develop cooperation in the fisheries sector in Sri Lanka.

This was revealed when Ambassador Gunnar Snorri Gunnarsson, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Iceland met H. M. G. S. Palihakkara, Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

A delegation headed by Ambassador Gunnarsson arrived in Sri Lanka on June 20 to sign the Development Cooperation Agreement between the International Development Agency of Iceland (ICEIDA) and Sri Lanka.

The signing ceremony took place at the Ministry of Financ yesterday, a Foreign Ministry release said.

Ambassador Gunnarsson signed on behalf of ICEIDA and Dr. P. B. Jayasundara signed on behalf of the Government.

The Icelandic delegation included Bjorn Ingi Hrafnsso, Chairman, ICEIDA Board of Director, Arni Helgason, and Deputy Director General of ICEIDA, Hjalmar Jonsson, ICEIDA Board Member, Jon Skaptason, ICEIDA Board Member and Thelma L. Tomaso, ICEIDA Press Officer.

Under the ICEIDA, Iceland expects to fund development projects in Sri Lanka including tsunami relief work.