A high-level Sri Lankan delegation led by Minister for Public Administration & Management Ranjith Madduma Bandara met Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif, here on Tuesday. Matters of mutual interest, bilateral relations and promotion of co-operation in agriculture, education, health, tourism, skill development and public administration were discussed at the meeting.
The Sri Lankan delegation expressed keen interest in investment in small hydel projects in Punjab. Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister said there were strong friendly relations between Pakistan and Sri Lanka. He said Punjab faced worst dengue epidemic in 2010 and Sri Lankan doctors extended full help to Punjab government.
The Chief Minister further said exchange of delegations in the sectors of bilateral co-operation was necessary for promoting bilateral relations between the two countries.
He said Sri Lankan investors should benefit from the vast investment opportunities in the province and assured that all out facilities would be provided to them. He said mutual contacts between the industrialists of Sri Lanka and Punjab should be increased. Shahbaz Sharif said there should be maximum exchange of delegations of chambers of commerce and industry of Sri Lanka and Punjab for strengthening economic and trade relations, adding speedy measures for improving relations between the two countries were the need of the hour.
Members of the Sri Lankan delegation while speaking on the occasion expressed willingness to invest in small hydel projects in Punjab and said measures would be taken with the collaboration of Punjab government for promotion of bilateral co-operation. Chairman Planning & Development, Chairman Tevta, Secretary MPDD, Special Secretary and concerned officers were present on the occasion.