15.10.2008

Foreign Minister Rohitha BogollagamaOn the second day of his official visit to Australia, Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama met with the Federal Minister of Trade, Simon Crean in Canberra for wide ranging discussion on trade, investment and tourism related issues.

Minister Bogollagama conveyed to the Australian Trade Minister that
two way trade between the two countries was worth Australian Dollars
300 million and that there was scope for further improvement of these
figures through a sustained effort from both sides.

The Foreign Minister proposed that Australian businessmen view Sri
Lanka as a spring board to the vast Indian and Pakistani markets with
which Sri Lanka has free trade agreements. The Australian Trade
Minister stated that there was indeed a good opportunity for
Australian companies to capitalise on Sri Lanka's unique geographical
position in this regard.

Minister Bogollagama made a request for Sri Lanka to be considered as
a vulnerable economy with a view to extending appropriate tariff
concessions for local exports with particular reference to garments,
in order to make them competitive in the Australian market. The
Foreign Minister proposed the establishment of a comprehensive
economic ties between the two countries, that would extend to
education, health and tourism.

The Sri Lankan Minister briefed Minister Crean that talks on
Australia-Sri Lanka air services agreement had been concluded and that
the agreement would be ready for signature soon. This development, he
observed, would provide the foundation for the establishment of
greater air connectivity between the two countries, providing easier
and more convenient access for Australian tourist to visit Sri Lanka.
He further stated that Sri Lanka could serve as a hub for travellers
from Australia to the Middle East, India and even to Europe.

Highlighting the country's excellent air connectivity, he stated that
there were 120 flights a week to India and 42 to London also on a
weekly basis.

Minister Crean accepted Foreign Minister Bogollagama's invitation to
visit Sri Lanka at a mutually convenient time. With regard to
concerns expressed by travel operators on Sri Lanka as a destination
for tourists, Minister Bogollagama underlined the fact that in the
entire history of the conflict of the country, tourists had not been
targeted at any time. He therefore requested for a reappraisal of the
travel advisory issued by the Australian Government in order that it
would be more reflective of the current ground situation.

Later on the same day, the Foreign Minister delivered the keynote
address at the "Sri Lanka Trade, Investment and Tourism Seminar" held
at the New South Wales State and Regional Department in Sydney. The
event, organized by the Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Sydney,
attracted leading companies based in New South Wales.

A question and answer session followed, at which Minister Bogollagama
clarified many issues that the audience was concerned about.
Australian businessmen and investors who have invested in Sri Lanka
shared their positive experiences in doing business in the island.

A presentation by the Sri Lanka Tourism Authority was viewed with a
great deal of interest by the audience. A reception that followed the
event enabled an informal interaction among those present.