H.E. the Ambassador, Nawalage Bennet Cooray hosted a reception in the evening of the 4th February 2014 at the official residence for the Diplomatic Corps. Ambassadors and their Spouses from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Japan, Thailand, Philippine, Malaysia, Indonesia and High Rank officers of the Foreign Ministry of Italy including the Deputy Chief of Protocol and the Director of the Asia desk presented for this occasion.
H.E. the Ambassador welcomed the gathering and emphasized the strong relationship Sri Lanka had with Italy throughout the history. Further Ambassador stressed the importance of strengthening the relations between Italy and Sri Lanka to achieve mutual benefits.
Giving an update of the economic and political situation of Sri Lanka, Ambassador highlighted the fact that Sri Lanka managed to achieve an overall economic growth rate around 8% of the country while inflation is remained at a single digit during last three years. Ambassador explained the investor friendly environment in Sri Lanka and invited the guests to bring investors from their countries.
H.E. the Ambassador further stated that for the first time of history, the Northern Provincial Council Election has been held, bringing communities into the political process and now they are experiencing the development and democracy.
The Ambassador explained the Government’s effort on infrastructure development activities in North and Eastern provinces through significant public investments. Further he stated that the Government of Sri Lanka has implemented several projects in order to provide equal opportunities to the people of the North and East mainly focusing on enhancing their livelihood activities.
He further mentioned that the recommendations of Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commissions are being implemented to achieve long lasting national unity and a Parliamentary Select Committee has been appointed to achieve a national consensus for constitutional changes necessary for the sustainability of the political process.
The Ambassador expressed his gratitude to the people of the friendly countries and for their steadfast support to Sri Lanka in the international arena. He also invited the international community to engage in a constructive manner for the development of the country.
Distinguished guests also appreciated the progress Sri Lanka had achieved after three decades of war and promised to extend their fullest support in future circumstances.
