April 05, Colombo (LNW): South Korea’s Gyeongsangbuk-do Province Governor Lee Cheol Woo and Sri Lankan Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena convened at the Governor’s office in Andong, Gyeongsangbuk-do, on Wednesday (3) to discuss collaborative ventures spanning education, agriculture, fisheries, women’s empowerment, and rural development.
During the talks, the Provincial Government pledged to extend various benefits to Sri Lanka, including initiatives in education, higher education, and vocational training, as well as opportunities for university entrance and scholarships. Moreover, plans were discussed to enhance employment opportunities in Korea for Sri Lankans.
The discussions also explored potential investments in health, construction, fisheries technology, post-harvest damage mitigation, and short-term employment opportunities in Korea, particularly during the harvesting season.
Prime Minister Gunawardena expressed gratitude for the opportunity to witness the economic success achieved by Gyeongsangbuk-do Province. He lauded the cooperation extended by the Saemaul Foundation, a voluntary organization, in supporting underdeveloped areas in Sri Lanka, particularly in Kegalle and Ratnapura in the Sabaragamuwa Province, for education improvement.
Gunawardena conveyed warm regards from President Ranil Wickremesinghe and emphasized the importance of strengthening cooperation between Sri Lanka and Korea in new technology and investments. He underscored the significance of his visit, accompanied by Members of Parliament, to Gyeongsangbuk-do Province, highlighting the event’s importance for Sri Lanka’s future development.
State Ministers, Members of Parliament, the Prime Minister’s Secretary, the Sri Lankan Ambassador to South Korea, and officials from Gyeongsangbuk-do Province were also present at the meeting, reflecting the commitment of both nations to foster mutually beneficial partnerships in various sectors.