Korean Ambassador in Colombo Miyon Lee said that Korea has remained Sri Lanka’s close partner even in the most challenging times, engaging in business activities and development projects.
She said that the Republic of Korea was also the first to restart the reimbursement for pending projects, when the MoU was signed with the Official Credit Committee in July.
The Ambassador was speaking at a reception hosted by the Embassy of the Republic of Korea to mark National Foundation Day of the Republic of Korea at Shangri-La Hotel in Colombo on Wednesday (02).
Western Province Governor Hanif Yusuf was the Guest of Honour.
The Ambassador said that the Korean embassy, in coordination with Korean agencies, including KOICA KOTRA, Korean EXIM Bank, EPS Centre KOFIH and KPIA, is striving to ensure smooth implementation and maximum outcome of various economic and development projects.
“Our grant projects cover diverse fields such as education, governance, environment, agriculture and healthcare. Korea’s loan programme also covers many areas including transportation and energy water supplies”, she said.
She said that her country is interested in promoting trade and investment, while creating more employment opportunities, with focus on rural development and women empowerment.
“We also promote trade and investment, create employment opportunities, help with rural development and women empowerment by sharing Korea’s experiences and advanced technologies”, she said.
“Korean communities and companies have long been Sri Lanka’s friends, transferring skills, technologies and innovation, specially in manufacturing sectors. They have been the engine for promoting trade and investment between the two countries throughout challenging years”, she said.
Western Province Governor Hanif Yusuf said that the longstanding relationship between Sri Lanka and the Republic of Korea has reached a dynamic new phase, gaining fresh momentum through high level visits and meetings.
“Over the years, people to people relations between the two countries have grown stronger”, he said.
The Governor said that the number of Sri Lankans who have left for Korea for employment has exceeded 5,000 last year, which is a 44% increase, compared to the figures in 2002.
He also said that, Sri Lankan migrant workers in Korea numbering above 30,000, are playing key roles to strengthen the economies of Korea and Sri Lanka.
“The growth is attributed to an increase in quotas and the addition of new sectors which were implemented after a 20-year period”, he said.
Sri Lankan works are making significant contributions to Korean industries. The recent award of “Best Shipbuilding and Offshore Worker” to a Sri Lankan worker by the Korean Ministry of Trade Industry and Energy and the Korea Shipbuilding and Offshore Association, stands as a testament to the dedication and excellence of Sri Lankan workers”, he said.
Former Ministers, Parliamentarians, members of the diplomatic corps based in Colombo, Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha, Chief of Defence Staff General Shavendra Silva , Army Commander Lt Gen Vikum Liyanage, Navy Commander Vice Admiral Priyantha Fernando and Air Force Commander Air Marshal Udeni Rajapaksa were also present.
(Daily News)
