Australia will assist the new economic reconstruction programme launched by Sri Lanka to become an economic and financial hub in the Indian Ocean and take a renewed approach to widen and strengthen bilateral, economic, political and social ties between the two countries, Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said.
The Australian Prime Minister gave this assurance when he met Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and his delegation for bilateral discussions at the Parliament House in Canberra yesterday.
As this was the first time a Sri Lankan Prime Minister was visiting Australia for bilateral discussions since late Prime Minister Sir John Kotelawela’s visit in 1954, a colourful ceremony had been organised at Parliament House to receive Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and his delegation on the historic occasion.
The ceremony began with a 19 gun salute, playing the Sri Lankan natural anthem and a parade in honour of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe.
After he reviewed the honour parade and the Australian band, Australian Prime Minister Turnbull introduced Prime Minister Wickremesinghe to his delegation which included Senate President Stephen Parry, Parliament speaker Tony Smith, Chairman of the Diplomatic Corps and Australian High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea Dr Katherine Lepani, Opposition Leader Bill Shorten, Security Forces Chief Air Chief Marshal Mark Binskin and other members.
Thereafter Prime Minister Wickremesinghe introduced the members of his delegation to the Australian Prime Minister. Therafter the national anthems of both countries were played as the two Prime Ministers stood on a special dais. After the delegation was conducted into Parliament house Prime Minister Wickremesinghe and Dr (Mrs) Maithree Wickremesinghe signed the visitors book. Bilateral talks began thereafter.
Australian Prime Minister Turnbull who expressed deep appreciation about Sri Lanka’s return to a new avenue of fostering economic development National Unity and Reconciliation emphasized that Australia would always stand by its longstanding friend Sri Lanka to assist it and represent its cause.
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said Australia-Sri Lanka ties dated back to over a century and stood the test of time. He also thanked Australia for standing by Sri Lanka at all times and recalled that Australia had always come to the assistance of Sri Lanka at difficult times.
Recalling the ties which existed between the two countries during the time of the second world war and post war period with gratitude Prime Minister Wickremesinghe said bilateral relations reached a new height with the implementations of the Colombo Plan.
The Australian Prime Minister highly praised the constant support extended by Sri Lanka to combat human smuggling trade and illegal immigration.
Attention was also drawn during the talks towards improving regional trade and widening trade and investment opportunities according to the Kotte declaration of the Commonwealth.
Views were also exchanged about improving investment opportunities in agricultural schemes, mining, energy and tourism sectors and improving the quality and technological feasibilities in these sectors. Matters were also explained about the assistance which could be obtained from Australia in energy generation.
Both parties agreed that current bilateral cooperation program in Education and Security sectors should be further widened. Attention was specially drawn towards the joint action to be taken in the sphere of maritime security.
The Australian Prime Minister expressed his deep appreciation of his contribution made by Sri Lanka nationals resident in Sri Lanka towards the uplift of Australia’s economic and other sectors.
The importance of establishing a Budget Bureau in the Sri Lanka Parliament was also emphasised at the meeting and the Australian Prime Minister said Australia was prepared to assist in this endeavour.
Prime Minister Wickremesinghe extended an invitation to Prime Minister Turnbull to pay an official visit to Sri Lanka and Prime Minister Turnbull said he was prepared to undertake the tour at a mutually convenient time.
The Australian delegation comprised among others Cabinet Secretary Martin Parkinson and Australian High Commissioner in Sri Lanka Bryce Hutcheson.
Sri Lanka delegations introduced Ministers Vijith Vijiyamuni Soysa, Arjuna Ranatunge, Deputy Minister Dr Harsha de Silva, Prime Minister’s Secretary Saman Ekanayake, Sri Lanka High Commissioner Somasundaram Skandakumar, Additional Secretary Saman Athaudahetty, Deputy High Commissioner Himali Arunatilleke and Prime Minister’s Special Assistant Mrs Sandra Perera.
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