Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunawardena received the Ambassadors of Italy, Germany, Netherlands, France, Romania and the EU Delegation based in Colombo, at the Foreign Ministry, to discuss recent developments, including those related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The EU Ambassadors reaffirmed their desire to continue to further strengthen bilateral relations with Sri Lanka with a special focus on further advancing trade, investment and tourism sector cooperation. Foreign Minister Gunawardena explained the challenges Sri Lanka was facing on its economy and the foreign currency reserves due to the significant reduction in remittances and tourism revenues induced by the COVID-19 global pandemic. The Foreign Minister also assured that Sri Lanka was committed to achieving the SDGs and to addressing issues related to reconciliation through a credible domestic process. The Ambassadors appreciated the cordial, open and continued dialogue between the EU member states and Sri Lanka on a number of issues of shared interest.

Source: The Nation November 21, 2020 18:45 UTC