Lanka, Israel ties to be further strengthened
by Jayampathy JAYASINGHE
|
Non-Resident Ambassador of Israel, Mark Sofer addresses the
gathering. Environment Minister Anura Priyadarshana Yapa and
Honorary Consul for Israel in Sri Lanka, Wicky Wickramatunga are
also in the picture. Pic: Vipula Amarasinghe
|
The assistance provided by Israel in the field of defence when Sri
Lanka was beset with the scourge of terrorism was very much appreciated,
according to Minister of Environment Anura Priyadarshana Yapa.
The Minister said this at a function held in Colombo to celebrate the
62nd Independence Day of Israel. Sri Lanka's diplomatic relations with
the State of Israel dates back to 1956.
The Minister said the re-establishment of direct diplomatic relations
in May 2000 has greatly facilitated the countries in maintaining a warm
and cordial bilateral relationship and links. He said Israel's
humanitarian assistance for the internally displaced persons last year
and the assistance for relief and reconstruction of tsunami affected
areas in 2005 and 2006 remains entrenched in our memory. The visit by
the then Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickramanayaka to Israel in 2008 led
to the important bilateral agreement on culture, education and science.
Sri Lanka's diplomatic relations with Isreal will usher in a new era
for the country in the field of agriculture, medical care and high
technology in future.
|
