The Ambassador of France to Sri Lanka and the Maldives Jean-François Pactet paid a visit to the Southern Province of Sri Lanka from March 25 to 27. During his visit, the Ambassador called on the Governor of the Southern Province Dr. Willie Gamage and had a cordial exchange on the current economic and political situation in the province. The Governor explained the measures taken by the Government to expand the tourism industry in the province. The Ambassador also called on former Speaker Chamal Rajapaksa and had an exchange of views with French investors engaged in the tourism industry in Galle.
The Ambassador visited the Alliance française in Matara and met the Director and Executive Committee members of the Alliance Française and its annex in Galle. It was a productive exchange of ideas and a reaffirmation of the vibrant cultural exchanges fostered by Alliance Française.
The joint cooperation between the French Government and the Kotalawala Defence University (KDU) to set up a maritime security and safety school was discussed with the Director General of Coast Guard Rear Admiral Pujitha Vithana at the headquarters of SLCG, Mirissa, followed by a rescue drill.
The Ambassador had the opportunity to visit the Hambantota International port. The Hambantota International Port Group (HIPG) COO Tissa Wickremasinghe briefed on the port’s facilities and also the development plans for the port. On visiting tha Mattala International Airport, the airport team explained the development status and also future prospects of the airport.
