Lanka, Poland trade ties to be strengthened

by L. S. A. Wedaarachchi

The trade and cultural relations between Sri Lanka and Poland will be strengthened in the near future. A delegation led by Maciej Klosak, of Ostrow, Hielkopolski in Poland met President Mahinda Rajapaksa, Minister of Trade' Commerce and Consumer Affairs Jeyaraj Fernandopulle, Minister of Agrarian Services and Development of Farmer Communities S. M. Chandrasena in this regard.

Meciej said that Poland and Sri Lanka had a very close trade and cultural relationship in the eighties. At that time both countries had agriculture based economies. Following the political and economic changes in the Soviet led countries these ties deteriorated, he said.

Poland joined the European Union recently. He said if both countries re-establish a good relationship, it will bring enormous benefits to Sri Lanka. Poland which is in the centre of Europe has developed agriculture, agricultural equipment and heavy industries.

Maciej discussed with Minister Chandrasena ways and means of obtaining Polish agriculture equipment and knowledge to improve the standards of farmers in Sri Lanka and to develop Sri Lanka's agriculture sector.

As an experienced leader of the Polish student movement and a popular politician Maciej expects to introduce a student exchange program between Sri Lanka and Poland where Sri Lankan students could acquire modern and advanced European knowledge of science, agriculture and other industrial fields.

Any language can be studied within six months and language is not a barrier to higher studies, he said. It is essential to appoint a trade Counsellor to the City of Ostrow or Poland to strengthen trade between Sri Lanka and Poland. This would enhance relations between the two countries.

Consultant to the Minister of Agrarian Service and Development of Farmer Communities Senaka Rajapaksa said, Maciej Klosak is a popular leader in Poland and his offer to work for the agriculture sector in Sri Lanka should be appreciated.

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