A delegation of the German Parliamentary Friendship Group for South Asia, headed by Hon. Renate Kunast, Member of Parliament of the Federal Republic of Germany, who visited the Parliament of Sri Lanka, met the Speaker, Hon. Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena, representatives of the Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus and representatives of the Sri Lanka-German Parliamentary Friendship Association. During the meeting, further strengthening of relations between Sri Lanka and Germany was discussed at length.
The speaker recalled the cooperation provided by Germany to Sri Lanka through the Ceylon – German Technical Training Institute and said that there is a high international demand for youths who are trained in the German Technical Training Institute. The speaker also mentioned that Germany’s support is expected in such technical activities in the future. Also, the German delegation engaged in a discussion with the speaker on the upcoming elections, cooperation with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and development measures in Sri Lanka.
The delegation met and discussed with the Chairperson of the Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus Member of Parliament Hon. (Dr.) Sudarshini Fernandopulle and the members of caucus, as well as the Chairperson of the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Children, Women and Gender, Hon. Talatha Athukorala. The German delegation was informed about the measures taken to empower women and children and prevent violence and abuse against them. The delegation was also briefed on the measures taken regarding issues such as early childhood education, care of children of working mothers etc.
A meeting was also held between the Sri Lanka-German Parliamentary Friendship Association and the German delegation. Chairman of the Sri Lanka German Parliamentary Friendship Association, Member of Parliament Hon. Prof. Charita Herath and Hon. Renate Kunast, Member of Parliament of the Federal Republic of Germany presided over this meeting.
The Secretary of the Sri Lanka-German Parliamentary Friendship Association, Member of Parliament Hon. Dr. Harsha De Silva, Vice Presidents of the Friendship Association Hon. Niroshan Perera and Hon. Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, Treasurer Hon. Udayana Kirindigoda, Members of the Friendship Association, State Minister Hon. Aravinda Kumar, Members of Parliament Hon. A.H.M. Fauci, Hon. Iran Wickramaratne, Hon. B.Y.G. Ratnasekara and Hon. Madhura Withanage were also present.
Hon. Charita Herath said that this meeting is very important to further enhance Sri Lanka-German friendly relations and discuss matters of mutual importance to both countries.
The German delegation inquired about the progress of the program in connection with the International Monetary Fund, the upcoming elections and the challenges faced economically. Accordingly, the members of Parliament of Sri Lanka presented their stance regarding those matters. The attention was also paid to the expansion of investment opportunities in Sri Lanka and Hon. Renate Kunast, said that it is important to conduct these activities transparently in providing opportunities to investors.
Members of Parliament, Acting Secretary General of Parliament Mr. Chaminda Kularatne, Assistant Secretary General Mr. Hansa Abeyratne, German Ambassador to Sri Lanka Mr. Felix Neumann and others participated in this meeting.
