British High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Sarah Hulton called on President Gotabaya Rajapaksa at the Presidential Secretariat on Friday, June 4. The High Commissioner commended the Government’s efforts to control the Covid-19 pandemic and expressed views on the assistance that can be provided for the vaccination drive.
She also drew attention to the contribution the UK Government can provide to the President’s efforts to create a trade economy. High Commissioner Ms. Halton agreed to exchange technical know-how to support the Government’s program to generate 80 percent of the country’s energy from renewable energy sources by 2030 and to assist in the storage and transmission of solar energy.
The High Commissioner commended the President’s decision to safeguard the environment by focusing on the use of organic fertiliser.
The Government will increase the forest cover from 20.8 per cent to 30 per cent. The High Commissioner said attention will be paid to provide the knowledge and discussed the methods required for the purpose.
President Rajapaksa called upon the UK to provide technical assistance to study and evaluate the damage caused to the environment by the X-Press Pearl Vessel.
The President outlined the Geneva Resolution and the steps taken by the Government to resolve land issues and other matters.
First Secretary of the British High Commission – Andrew Price, Principal Advisor to the President – Lalith Weeratunga and Foreign Secretary – Admiral Jayanath Colombage were also present.
