PM calls for enhancing Dhaka-Colombo cooperation

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday said there was a lot of potential in enhancing bilateral cooperation between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka in the areas of investment, agriculture, fisheries, pharmaceuticals, maritime connectivity and higher education. 

She said this while outgoing Sri Lankan High Commissioner to Bangladesh Professor Sudharshan DS Seneviraine called on her at her official residence Gono Bhaban.

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Prime Minister's Press Secretary Ihsanul Karim briefed reporters after the meeting.

The premier said Bangladesh attaches highest priority to the relations with the neighbours including Sri Lanka which is based on historical bondages and a multitude of commonalities.

She said, "Bangladesh and Sri Lanka have historical bondage as it puts emphasis on maintaining good relations with the neighbours".

The Bangladesh prime minister and Sri Lankan high commissioner both laid emphasis on "blue economy", Karim noted.

About development, the prime minister said 90 per cent of development programmes of Bangladesh was now funded by domestic resources.

She also mentioned that due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the development process across the country had somewhat been hindered.

"But Bangladesh is now struggling and working hard to recover from the setback," Sheikh Hasina said.

She congratulated the high commissioner on successful completion of his duty in Bangladesh.

Professor Sudharshan DS Seneviraine highly appreciated the socioeconomic development of Bangladesh under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

Referring to mega projects like Padma Bridge, he said on completion of projects in Matarbai and Payra, Bangladesh would become a big regional hub of connectivity.

The Sri Lankan high commissioner said his country was keen to cooperate in the field of trade, tourism, deep seaport and pharmaceutical sectors of Bangladesh. He also praised Bangladesh for maintaining a balanced foreign policy.

He said he really felt attached to Bangladesh and its people during his stay.

Ambassador-at-large Mohammad Ziauddin and Prime Minister's Principal Secretary M Tofazzel Hossain Miah were present.