New Thailand Ambassador and Basil discuss economic ties

Thailand’s new Ambassador to Sri Lanka Poldej Worachat yesterday paid a courtesy call on Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa to discuss issues of bilateral interest.

At the outset of the meeting Rajapaksa thanked the Thailand for the assistance given by its government recently at various international forums, specially at the recently concluded UNCHR meeting. Longstanding historical relations between two countries were strengthened recently because Thailand helped Sri Lanka when the country was facing critical issues in the international arena, the Minister said.

Worachat said relations between the two countries have not been confined to the economic and political issues. Throughout the history, the two countries have maintained a close cultural relationship because Therawadha Buddhism has enlightened the lives of both countries, with Buddhism being the main reason behind the closer cultural relations between the two countries.

Minister Rajapaksa said Sri Lanka had a rich agricultural history as evidenced in the big tanks built across the country by past Kings but occupancy by western foreign powers destroyed that rich heritage and

Sri Lanka has now become a rice importing country dependant for her food stuffs. However, for the first time since occupation, Sri Lanka has also become a rice exporting country and will export its first shipment of maize production this month. The Minister said when Sri Lanka initiated a maize development program four years ago its biggest problem was how to get the required seeds.

“However the Thai government helped us, by providing them,” he said as he thanked the Thai government.

Minister Rajapaksa and the Thai Ambassador also discussed the ways and means for further improvement of economic relations between the two countries.

They agreed to have closer cooperation between the two countries on road development, agriculture, tourism, small industries and handicraft development, fishing and textile sector development.

Minister Rajapaksa said Sri Lanka will give higher priority to highway development and safeguard the interest of the people. The Northern highway is now under construction and will link Colombo, Kurunegala and Kandy and Trincomalie, however in building this highway the Government will not destroy the country’s hill area.