On 09th December 2021, Korean Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Santhush Woonjin JEONG visited Kandy, Central Province and met with the Governor of Central Province, Lalith U. Gamage at the Governor’s office. They engaged in a fruitful discussion on opportunities for cooperation between Korea and Sri Lanka.
Both Ambassador JEONG and Lalith U. Gamage reaffirmed their commitment to continued cooperation in areas such as tourism, education, economic and cultural collaboration in advancing interests on areas of mutual benefit to both countries.
During the discussion Ambassador Santhush emphasised that the Central Province is rich of abundant history and beautiful landscapes.
He stated, “I hope more and more Korean national tourists visit these wonderful places. As the Korean Ambassador, my priority is to intensify people-to-people exchanges and promote cultural cooperation between Korea and Sri Lanka. Many Sri Lankans are keen on learning the Korean language. This year, the Korean language was officially adopted as a foreign language for the Advanced Level curriculum and by 2023 students can choose to sit for Korean language examination as part of the University entrance examinations. I intend to promote the Korean language education in Sri Lanka. I am ready to explore the potentials in Korea-Sri Lanka partnership, especially cultural exchanges, tourism, Korean language education and employment cooperation. Recently, the Government of Korea decided to resume the entry of new foreign workers to Korea, including Sri Lankan workers. As my Sri Lankan name “Santhush” means happiness, Korea would like to share happiness together with Sri Lanka and Sri Lankan people”.
Furthermore, he thanked Lalith Gamage for the cooperation extended to secure the public safety of Korean residents and tourists in the Central Province.
“I sincerely appreciate the diligent efforts of the authorities concerned for ensuring the health and safety of Korean residents in the Central Province amidst the pandemic. Korean residents and Korean businessmen in Sri Lanka are playing an important role to bridge our two countries and peoples. The safety and health of Korean residents is of paramount importance to me and the Korean Embassy,” he said.
Ambassador Santhush further requested, “I hope their safety and well-being continue to be well taken care of. It will indeed further elevate our bilateral ties”.
Hon. Lalith Gamage extended a warm welcome for Ambassador Santhush to the Central Province and mentioned that the Central Province is looking forward to engage with the Korean Embassy to promote educational interests such as ICT projects and vocational training initiatives.
Echoing the Ambassador’s wishes, he also emphasised the importance of people-to-people exchanges and intensifying tourism especially to the Central Province.
First Secretary of the Korean Embassy, Ms. Miyeon LIM and the Research Officer, Jeonhun BYEON accompanied the Ambassador during the meeting.
