Myanmar, Sri Lanka discuss ways to boost bilateral ties

The Ambassador of Myanmar to Sri Lanka U Han Thu called on Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunawardena recently.

Foreign Minister Gunawardena emphasised on the longstanding Sri Lanka-Myanmar fraternal bilateral ties and shared history based on Buddhist links over centuries. He reiterated the establishment of the Amarapura and Ramanna Nikaya in Sri Lanka in 1803 and 1865 respectively are the testimonies of the bilateral relations between the two countries. Ambassador Thu endorsing the comments stated that more than 400 Buddhist priests from Myanmar are currently studying in Sri Lanka. 

Both dignitaries agreed that political relations between the two countries have been fruitful over the years through various mechanisms and in particular underscored the importance of rejuvenating the Sri Lanka-Myanmar parliamentary Friendship Group. 

Foreign Minister Gunawardena thanked the Myanmar Government for the annual offers of the Honorary Title ‘Aggamaha Panditha’ to erudite Sri Lankan priests which is a symbol of the friendly ties based on Theravada Buddhism. 

Minister Gunawardena further noted that it is important that both countries look at possible areas for economic cooperation in the post-COVID phase and highlighted areas such as the coconut industry, agriculture, Buddhist tourism, rubber, and shipping. 

The meeting was associated by officials of the Foreign Ministry of Sri Lanka and the Embassy of Myanmar in Colombo.