EU pledges more support for Sri Lanka

by Jayampathy JAYASINGHE

The European Union (EU) has pledged its support to develop Sri Lanka in the future.

The Ambassador and Head of Delegation of the European Union in Colombo, Bernard Savage said the EU looks forward to continue its good relations with Sri Lanka and assist the country to move forward from the post conflict era to development.

He said the EU has provided grant funding for several projects and programs with the aim of assisting Sri Lanka in its development drive.

The sectors to which funding was provided include road reconstruction, housing, education, health, environment, rehabilitation, post tsunami assistance and assistance to the conflict affected areas and people.

He said the first cooperation agreement was signed in 1975 and the EU is privileged and proud to support Sri Lanka through projects and programs during the past 35 years. This year’s EU celebration was significant as it marked 35 years of cooperation between the EU and Sri Lanka.

Minister of Disaster Management A.H.M. Fowzie was the Chief Guest at the European Union Day celebrations held last Friday.

He said economic relations with the European Union (EU) were a priority for Sri Lanka. “We welcome the EU having become one of Sri Lanka’s leading trading partners over the past 30 years.

We value our bilateral relations with each and every member country of the EU as well as with their people,” he said.

The Minister acknowledged the support provided by the European Commission on Humanitarian Aid Department to Sri Lanka particularly in the current post -conflict reconstruction phase. “While welcoming the EU’s support extended towards economic and social development in Sri Lanka we encourage the EU to channel its development assistance through the Sri Lanka government following the end of the North East conflict,” he said.

The Minister said the longstanding bonds of friendship and cooperation between Sri Lanka and the European Union continued to flourish since the commencement of the then European Community in 1962.

The minister acknowledged Ambassador Bernard Savage’s contribution towards further strengthening the ties of friendship and cooperation between Sri Lanka and the EU.

On behalf of President Mahinda Rajapaksa, the government and the people of Sri Lanka the Minister conveyed his best wishes to Herman Van Rompuy, the President of the European Council, the heads of state and the government of EU member countries and the people of the European Union.