Sri Lanka has reached out to South Korea to obtain enhanced dollar assistance from its EXIM Bank and greater development assistance from KOICA, as the island nation continues to struggle with low levels of foreign exchange.
According to Sri Lanka’s Foreign Affairs Ministry, the response from South Korea was positive with the Republic of Korea Foreign Affairs Minister Chung Eui-Yong agreeing to the request put forward by Foreign Affairs Minister G. L. Peiris.
In the fresh round of discussions held in Seoul by the two ministers yesterday, the areas of trade and investment, political cooperation, defence initiatives, tourism, and labour issues took the centre stage.
Prof. Peiris paid tribute to the multi-faceted relationship, which had developed between the two countries during their 44-year relationship and its present robust character. In addition to seeking assistance, the ministers reviewed what was acknowledged as the “very beneficial impact of South Korean development programs” in Sri Lanka, especially in the fields of water management, waste disposal and secondary education.
