Trade, culture, tourism - priority areas:
Lanka-Oman to strengthen ties
Relations between Sri Lanka and Oman are going from strength to
strength and the new Sri Lankan Ambassador, Asoka Girihagama, hopes to
do his bit to further boost the already robust ties.
Girihagama, who started his stint in the Sultanate early this month,
told the Times of Oman in an exclusive interview, that he hopes to
improve the trade, cultural and tourism ties on a priority basis.
"Among the first of my objectives is to facilitate an exchange of
visits between the Heads of State of the two nations. Secondly, I plan
to work out exchange of ministerial and official level visits" the
Ambassador said.
"We share very close bilateral ties. Our relationship goes back so
many decades. Besides, Oman and Sri Lanka are dealing at the
international level since we are members of organisations such as the
Non-Aligned Movement (NAM)", Girihagama said.
On trade figures, the Ambassador said in 2010 exports from Sri Lanka
to Oman stood at $ 9.3 million, Exports from Oman to Sri Lanka stood at
$ 93 million.
Stating that Oman can invest in different sectors in Sri Lanka, the
Ambassador said, After the end of terrorism in May 2009, some regions
are being developed by the Government with the support of the
international community. There are many development projects taking
place. For example, many roads and bridges are being developed. Oman can
invest in Sri Lanka through infrastructure and agricultural projects."
Girihagama explained that the Northern and Eastern parts of the country,
which have been devastated by the 30-year terrorism, need to be rebuilt
from scratch.
The Ambassador sees big potential in close cooperation in the tourism
sector" since both countries are tourist destinations."
"We can both learn from each other on how to develop tourism. I would
be meeting the Sultanate's minister responsible for tourism to take this
forward."There are around 25,000 Sri Lankans living in Oman and the
Ambassador hopes to work closely with the community members.
"As part of the process I shall be interacting with members of the
Sri Lankan Social Club and the Sri Lankan School's board of directors."
Considering that a majority of Sri Lankans in Oman are in the blue
collar category, he said the Sri Lankan Government conducts
pre-departure awareness programs for citizens travelling to Middle East
countries. |