The European Union (EU) has reaffirmed its commitment to support Sri Lanka in expanding its market access, enhancing employment opportunities within the EU, and boosting tourism. The EU has also pledged support for knowledge exchange and implementing new mechanisms in education, social protection, and anti-corruption efforts.
The EU made this commitment when an EU delegation, led by EU Ambassador Carmen Moreno met President Anura Kumara Dissanayake at the Presidential Secretariat on Friday (October 25).
The EU is a critical partner for Sri Lanka, serving as its second-largest export and tourist market, and third-largest import market.
The delegation emphasised the EU’s commitment to strengthening key sectors, including vocational education, maritime, investment, and peace and reconciliation. They also assured close collaboration to advance these shared priorities.
The delegation commended Sri Lanka on the peaceful conduct of the recent Presidential election. Ambassadors from the Kingdom of the Netherlands, France, and Romania conveyed congratulatory messages from their Presidents to President Dissanayake.
President Dissanayake has apprised the EU delegation about Sri Lanka’s current security, highlighting recent measures to improve the safety for tourists and residents. He said that security protocols in key tourist areas have been strengthened with more law enforcement and emergency services deployed.
The EU delegation included Ambassador of Italy Damiano Francovigh, Ambassador of Romania Steluta Arhire, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands Bonnie Horbach, Chargé d’Affaires of France Ms. Marie-Noelle Duris, Chargé d’Affaires of the German Embassy Olaf Malchow and Deputy Head of Mission of the Netherlands Iwams Rutjens.
