Lanka- Latvia tourism to be promoted
by Jayampathy Jayasinghe
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A literary workshop for schoolchildren was held at the
Kurunduwatta Economic Zone in Nawalapitiya recently. Here
Minister of Sports, Mahindananda Aluthgamage the chief guest
addresses the participants. Pic: Palitha Gunasena
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Plans are afoot to promote tourism between Sri Lanka and Latvia in
the near future.
The Minister of National Languages and Social integration Vasudeva
Nanayakkara told the Latvia day celebrations in Colombo that tourism was
gaining momentum and Sri Lanka has become a popular tourist destination
for Latvian travellers. “With the dawn of peace in Sri Lanka we expect
more tourists,” he said.
He said Latvia had also a developed tourism industry and cooperation
in this area between the two countries should be further strengthened,
“We also welcome Latvian investments for reconstruction in the North and
the East.” Currently, many Sri Lankan students are studying in the
universities of Latvia. In the expansion of trade there are many
prospects for Sri Lankans as well as Latvian investors in the
pharmaceutical and textile sector.
The Minster said that he was pleased to be present on behalf of the
government to mark the celebrations of the Republic of Latvia. “This was
an appropriate occasion to refer to our long bilateral relations enjoyed
all these years.”
He said the assistance offered by Latvia to Sri Lanka following the
tsunami, bear testimony to our good relationship.
It is important for both countries to explore new avenues and
expansion of our relations in the areas of trade, education, culture and
tourism. Latvians’ independence was recognised and restored in October
1991 and Sri Lanka established formal diplomatic relations with Latvia
in 1996 based on shared social and democratic values. “Our friendship
and cooperation have enabled us to work in multilateral for a issues of
common interest.” the minister said.
The Honorary Consul General of Latvia Thomas F. Daetwyler said
November 18 marked the 10th anniversary of the establishment of
diplomatic ties between Latvia and Sri Lanka. “We are aiming to
strengthen the ties between the two countries,” he said.
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