Iran, Sri Lanka Discuss Expansion of Ties

Iran's ambassador to Colombo and Sri Lanka's minister of port and aviation discussed expansion of relations and mutual cooperation in a meeting in the Sri Lankan capital.

During the meeting, the two sides reviewed activities of the Uma Oya developmental program, and the Iranian diplomat offered Tehran's assistance with Colombo in providing the Sri Lankan employees with higher educational opportunities.

The envoy also proposed Sri Lankan port authorities with further training at institutions in Iran as well as implementation of an employee exchange program.

The two sides also discussed adoption of introductory measures to pave the way for a visit to Sri Lanka by the Iranian President, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

The Iranian and Sri Lankan officials further exchanged views about the start of agricultural cultivations at the suburbs where the Weerawila Air Port is constructed.

The Iranian ambassador also stated that steps would be taken to supply Sri Lanka with vessels and to assist the country with the improvement of its Shipping Corporation.

For his part, Sri Lankan Minister of Port and Aviation Chamal Rajapaksa offered special gratitude to the Iranian ambassador for the dedicated contributions and assistance towards the said developments in the country.

The meeting was also attended by Sri Lanka's secretary of the Ministry of Port and Aviation Thilak Kollure, Additional secretary of the Ministry of Ports Ranjith Silva, Vice chairman of the Sri Lanka Ports Authority Priyath Bandu Wickrama, Chairman of the Shipping Corporation M.M.Hameed and Coordinating Secretary of the Ministry of Port and aviation Udaya Boralessa.

Source: farsnews.com