Lakshman Kadirgamar Institute signs MOU with Institute of South Asian Studies Singapore

Saturday, 5 April 2014 00:01 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

On Thursday, 3 April, the Lakshman Kadirgamar Institute for International Relations and Strategic Studies (LKIIRSS), Colombo signed its first Memorandum of Understanding with a think tank from the East Asia region, the Institute of South Asian Studies (ISAS), Singapore.

The two institutes were represented respectively by Executive Director Asanga Abeyagoonesekera and Director Prof. Tan Tai Yong. The MOU was signed so as to further enhance future research collaborations between Sri Lanka and Singapore. The event took place during the ISAS Colombo Colloquium which was organised by ISAS, which is part of the National University of Singapore, (NUS). The Encyclopaedia of the Sri Lankan Diaspora was also launched on the said occasion, followed by a ministerial interaction session between Prof. G. L. Peiris, Minister of External Affairs, Sri Lanka and K. Shanmugam, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Law, Singapore. The session was moderated by Gopinath Pillai, Chairman, ISAS. Delivering the opening remarks, Prof. Peiris expressed his contentment pertaining to the “exceedingly productive” visit of Minister Shanmugan. Speaking on the role of the diaspora, he stressed the important contributions made by Sri Lankans all over the world. “They have made an

indelible impression in many countries,” he said. Acknowledging the excellence of Singapore’s public service, Prof. Peiris also mentioned that Sri Lanka and Singapore were to expand their bilateral economic opportunities. During the interactive session, Minister Shanmugan noted that following the colonial era, Sri Lanka was seen as a role model by Lee Kwan Yew. He also noted that urban management was an area where both countries could share their experience. He also emphasised on the need to improve technical education to further strengthen the investment environment of the island.