SL-B’desh sign 14 agreements

President Maithripala Sirisena with Bangladesh Prime Minister 

Sheikh Hasina  

President Maithripala Sirisena and Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina pledged to carry forward the long-standing bilateral relations between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh on a solid foundation.The two leaders made these remarks when the visiting Sri Lankan President met with the Bangladeshi Prime Minister in Dhaka yesterday.

Prime Minister Hasina warmly received President Sirisena when he arrived at the Prime Minister’s Office. Bilateral discussions were held following a cordial initial greeting.  

The President and the Bangladesh Prime Minister paid special attention to entering into a trade agreement between the two countries as well as setting up special economic zones. 

Details regarding introducing a new program to exchange experiences in agricultural and fisheries sectors of both countries were discussed as well as to jointly take action against combating terrorism and to cooperate in the field of information technology.  

Utilising the knowhow of Bangladesh to increase rice production in Sri Lanka was also discussed.  

The Bangladeshi Prime Minister expressed her pleasure over the visit of the Sri Lankan President and commended the freedom and democracy ensured in Sri Lankan society under the leadership of Sirisena. 

Hasina called for the strengthening of ties between the two countries, adding that Bangladesh is willing to work with Sri Lanka in the fields of economy and regional cooperation.

She also pointed out the importance of working jointly to find solutions to the common issues faced by the two countries such as drug trafficking and illegal immigrants. 

Sirisena, touching on investment opportunities in Sri Lanka, said Sri Lanka is ready to provide every required facility for Bangladeshi investors. 

He invited Prime Minister Hasina for a state visit to Sri Lanka. The Bangladeshi premier, who accepted the invitation, said her visit will help continue the relationships between the two countries. 

Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) between were signed in the presence the two leaders, in addition to a slew of agreements, detailed below:

MoU on Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution (BSTI) and Sri Lanka Standards Institution (SLSI) – Minister of Foreign Affairs Ravi Karunanayake and Minister of Industries, Bangladesh.

MoU between Central Bank of Sri Lanka and Bangladesh Bank of Cooperation in Financial Sector/Services - Minister of Foreign Affairs Ravi Karunanayake and Minister of Commerce, Bangladesh

MoU on Cooperation in Agriculture – State Minister of Agriculture Vasantha Aluvihare and Minister of Agriculture, Bangladesh

MoU on Cooperation in the field of Information and Communication Technology – Deputy Minister of Finance and Mass Media Lasantha Alagiyawanna and Minister of Information Technology, Bangladesh 

MoU on Radio and Television Development - Deputy Minister of Finance and Mass Media Lasantha Alagiyawanna and Minister of Information Technology, Bangladesh

MoU on the cooperation in the field of shipping – Deputy Minister of Ports and Shipping Affairs Nishantha Muthuhettigama and Minister of Shipping Affairs, Bangladesh

MoU between Bangladesh Foreign Service Academy (FSA) and Bandaranaike Diplomatic Training Institute (BIDTI), Sri Lanka – foreign Ministers of Sri Lanka and Bangladesh

MoU on Visa Waiver for Diplomatic and Official Passport Holders of Bangladesh and Sri Lanka - Minister of Foreign Affairs Ravi Karunanayake and Minister of Indigenous Affairs, Bangladesh

MoU between Sri Lanka Institute of Textile Authority and Bangladesh Fashion Design Institute