EU President reiterates its strong ties with Sri Lanka [October 05 2010]

President of the European Council Herman Van Rompuy described that the relations between Europe and Sri Lanka as "strong and a very old one" and said that Sri Lanka has always maintained cordial relations with Europe, Rompuy, the former Prime Minister of Belgium, made these observations when he graced a concert by Sitar Virtuso Pradeep Ratnayake and his ensemble at BOZAR in Brussels.

The event was part of the cultural program to mark the Asia-Europe Summit Meeting (ASEM8). He recalled his past memories on Sri Lanka during a visit to the island ten years back when he was an opposition member of the Belgian Parliament.

"Sri Lanka and Europe have influenced each other for hundreds if not thousands of years. Let me stress this was not all one way. Around 500 BC Sri Lanka had already constructed some of the largest reservoirs and dams of the ancient world." Noting that "the art, musical, theatrical and dance heritage of Asia is exceptionally rich and sophisticated, and continues until today to exercise a strong influence", the EC President described Pradeep Ratnayake "as a living example of blending different influences from the North Indian to jazz and western classical music" he said.