On the invitation extended by the Government of Bangladesh, Hon. Neomal Perera, Deputy Minister of External Affairs visited Dhaka to attend “Global Leadership Meeting on Population Dynamics in the context of Post 2015 UN Development Goals” 12-13 March 2013.
Delegates from 82 countries and representatives from International Organizations, Civil Societies, Academics, Inter Governmental and Local Agencies attended two days conference which was jointly organized by the Government of Bangladesh and Switzerland.
While addressing the meeting Hon. Minister briefed how Sri Lanka transformed its development index dramatically under the leadership of H.E. the President Mahinda Rajapaksa in the recent years going with sound policies. And he emphasized that the Post 2015 development agenda should also address social economic issues including those that are discussed in the conference, where the concerns of the developing countries should give due priority. Minister urged that we as developing countries do not recognize the culture of knowledge economy and not advanced in technological development. At the conclusion of his speech, he requested to place on record that when defining the post 2015 development agenda, make sure to address all issues that continue to affect the developing world including population dynamics.
On sidelines of the meeting, Hon. Deputy Minister paid courtesy calls on H.E. Mr. Ghulam Quader Minister of Commerce, Bangladesh, H.E. Lt. Col. (Rtd) Muhammad Faruk Khan, Minister of Civil Aviation and Tourism and H.E. Dr. DipuMoni, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh.
During the call on Minister of Commerce of Bangladesh both Ministers had a lengthy discussion on bilateral trade between two countries and explored the avenues for further expansion of trade. They noted with satisfaction that Sri Lanka’s exports to Bangladesh have increased during the last five years and that trade between the two countries is growing at a stable pace.
During the call on Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh both Ministers noted with satisfaction that the close friendly relations existing between our two countries. Deputy Minister used the opportunity to inform her of the current developments in Sri Lanka and preparation for forthcoming CHOGM. Recalling the forthcoming Commonwealth Business Forum in Sri Lanka Hon. Neomal Perera invited Bangladesh entrepreneurs to take part in the Forum. Hon. Minister happily announced that the Government of Bangladesh has allocated a plot of land for Sri Lanka Chancery in the area of Diplomatic zone in Dhaka on the basis of reciprocity.
Hon. Deputy Minister affirmed to Hon. Minister of Civil Aviation and Tourism, Bangladesh that Sri Lanka would assist Bangladesh’s tourism sector with their knowledge and skills and both the countries can work together to promote tourism sector.
During his three day visit to Dhaka, the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry [DCCI] organized the meeting followed by a business luncheon at its conference room to discuss prospects in bilateral trade and investment and to explore the ways to remove existing trade barriers between two countries.
Hon. Deputy Minister during a meeting with Sri Lanka Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce [SLBCCI] and Sri Lanka Association of Bangladesh[SLAB], held at the High Commission of Sri Lanka, engaged in a constructive dialogue with the members of SLBCCI and SLAB seeking the ways and means to overcome their grievances and to tighten the bonds of bilateral trade.
During his stay in Dhaka, Hon. Deputy Minister kindly consented to attend as the Chief Guest of the ceremonial occasion of opening of Sri Lanka School at new premises of the High Commission of Sri Lanka. Deputy Minister in his speech thanked for the contribution to the development made by the Sri Lankan community in Bangladesh whom are appreciated by the Government of Bangladesh too.
High Commission of Sri Lanka
Dhaka, Bangladesh
20 March 2013
