The New Zealand Government is providing full support to Sri Lanka in various fields including food security, medical research, and exchange of knowledge between the ayurvedic traditions, sports, and tourism promotion programs, New Zealand High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, David Pine told Minister of Health and Mass Media, Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa when he met him at the Ministry of Health recently.
The High Commissioner congratulated the new Government on the work it has planned to undertake in the health and social care sectors, saying that these efforts will go a long way to build a strong health service, a better economy and more effective governance in the country.
High Commissioner Pine said that New Zealand’s continued support will continue to be provided to Sri Lanka, and it will continue to provide its support to Sri Lanka to increase the number of tourists visiting the country annually and opportunities to increase New Zealand investments in Sri Lanka.
Minister of Health and Mass Media, Dr. Jayatissa said that the country will focus more on strengthening the primary health care system and plans are being made to develop human resources in the health sector, including doctors, specialist doctors and other staff.
The Minister, who particularly appreciated New Zealand’s leadership in food security cooperation activities between New Zealand and Sri Lanka, outlined the importance of using local medical services in Sri Lanka to promote the tourism sector. The Minister expressed his appreciation for the support provided by the New Zealand Government in promoting those services.
New Zealand Deputy High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Ms. Gabrielle Isaak and officials of High Commission and the Ministry of Health were also present.
