Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the State of Israel Nimal Bandara had a discussion with the newly appointed Chairperson of Israel – Sri Lanka parliamentary friendship group Dr. (Ms.) M.E. Melaku at a special guest committee room at the Israel Parliament (Knesset) on 09 August 2023. Dr. Melaku has a PhD in Political Science and Journalism and she is a member of the ruling Likud party in the State of Israel.
During the meeting Ambassador congratulated the newly appointed Chairperson of Israel – Sri Lanka parliamentary friendship group.
The newly appointed Chairperson expressed her willingness to build strong relationships between the Israel and Sri Lanka parliament and also the parliamentarians. She stated that during her childhood she studied about Sri Lanka and the name of the Ms. Sirimavo Bandaranayke, the first female Prime Minister of the world and her nonalignment relationship with many countries. Therefore, she mentioned that she is happy to engage not only with the Sri Lankan parliamentarians but also with the other Government institutions to get fruitful results to obtain a win-win situation for both countries.
Dr. Melaku agreed to visit Sri Lanka with a group of members of the Israel – Sri Lanka parliamentary friendship group in near future. She also added that Arkia Airlines will fly to Sri Lanka within a month on a regular basis which will benefit to build a bridge between two countries especially in the tourism sector and trade related activities.
Dr. Melaku invited the Chairperson and the members of the Sri Lanka – Israel parliamentary friendship group to visit Israel to get a better understanding of modern Israel and its development sectors.
At the meeting, the Ambassador explained the parliamentary concept of Sri Lanka including the system of the election of the parliamentarians both district level and national list. He also explained the parliamentary friendship group activities conducted by the Parliament of Sri Lanka. The Ambassador proposed that at least one delegation comprising members of the Israel – Sri Lanka parliamentary friendship group could visit Sri Lanka and also a group of Sri Lankan delegation could visit Israel on reciprocal basis.
Dr. Melaku explained that as per the ‘Abraham Accords’, Israel is keeping better relationships with Middle Eastern countries and many countries have already established trade links with Israel. Also, may countries open their trade and air links with Israel.
Israel and Sri Lanka established diplomatic relations in 1957 and enjoy cordial diplomatic relations. Later, in 2000, Sri Lanka opened a Full Pledged Residence Diplomatic Mission in Tel Aviv.
At present around 7,000 people are working in the State of Israel and the majority are caregivers with a high salary over USD 1,600.00 per month.
The arrival of Israeli tourists to Sri Lanka has tremendously increased during the last six month and it is estimated around 15,000 Israeli tourists will arrive in Sri Lanka during the year 2023.
Embassy of Sri Lanka
Tel Aviv
11 August 2023
