President Rajapaksa sought the assistance of Korea to train competent teachers at education centers being established to enhance Korean language skills
While acknowledging the valuable contribution made by Sri Lankan expatriates to the Korean economy, Korea had informed Lanka of its desire to increase the current quota given to the country, an official statement says.
At the invitation of President Lee Myung-bak, President Mahinda Rajapaksa made a State Visit to the Republic of Korea between April 24-27. On his arrival at the Seoul National Airport, the President and the Sri Lankan delegation was received by high-level officials of the Korean government and was accorded a ceremonial welcome by the South Korean military including a 21 gun salute. On the morning of April 24, President Lee and Madam Kim received President Rajapaksa and Madam Shiranthi Rajapaksa at the “Blue House”, the official residence of the Korean President, and was invited by his counterpart to witness the tri-service guard of honour. Summit talks were held thereafter showcasing the close friendship that exists between the two countries.
During the visit, President Rajapaksa sought the assistance of Korea to train competent teachers at education centres being established to enhance Korean language skills, which would provide a competitive advantage for the Sri Lanka labour force to enter the Korean job market. He also encouraged a wider representation of the Korean business community in the trade and investment activities in Sri Lanka, with a particular reference to the new thrust areas of information communication technology, nano-technology, pharmaceuticals and international arbitration sectors that have now opened up. Tourism was identified as the most visible growth area of the Sri Lanka economy with the potential of being beneficial to both countries. The two leaders also discussed the establishment of greater connectivity and the commencement of direct flights between the countries towards end 2012, as a catalyst for further enhancement of bilateral ties.
A particular word of appreciation went to the KOICA volunteers in Sri Lanka for not only enhancing the human resource capacity and development in Sri Lanka but also acting as cultural ambassadors, building the cultural divide between the two nations.
Daily Mirror, 30 April 2012
