Relations between Sri Lanka and Oman are going from strength to strength and the new Sri Lankan Ambassador, Asoka Girihagama, hopes to do his bit to further boost the already robust ties.
Girihagama, who started his stint in the Sultanate early this month, told the Times of Oman in an exclusive interview, that he hopes to improve the trade, cultural and tourism ties on a priority basis.
"Among the first of my objectives is to facilitate an exchange of visits between the Heads of State of the two nations. Secondly, I plan to work out exchange of ministerial and official level visits" the Ambassador said.
"We share very close bilateral ties. Our relationship goes back so many decades. Besides, Oman and Sri Lanka are dealing at the international level since we are members of organisations such as the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM)", Girihagama said.
On trade figures, the Ambassador said in 2010 exports from Sri Lanka to Oman stood at $ 9.3 million, Exports from Oman to Sri Lanka stood at $ 93 million.
Stating that Oman can invest in different sectors in Sri Lanka, the Ambassador said, After the end of terrorism in May 2009, some regions are being developed by the Government with the support of the international community. There are many development projects taking place. For example, many roads and bridges are being developed. Oman can invest in Sri Lanka through infrastructure and agricultural projects." Girihagama explained that the Northern and Eastern parts of the country, which have been devastated by the 30-year terrorism, need to be rebuilt from scratch.
The Ambassador sees big potential in close cooperation in the tourism sector" since both countries are tourist destinations."
"We can both learn from each other on how to develop tourism. I would be meeting the Sultanate's minister responsible for tourism to take this forward."There are around 25,000 Sri Lankans living in Oman and the Ambassador hopes to work closely with the community members.
"As part of the process I shall be interacting with members of the Sri Lankan Social Club and the Sri Lankan School's board of directors." Considering that a majority of Sri Lankans in Oman are in the blue collar category, he said the Sri Lankan Government conducts pre-departure awareness programs for citizens travelling to Middle East countries.
Source: Daily News (26 September 2011)
