KING SIHAMONI COMMENDS SL PROGRESS UNDER LEADERSHIP OF PRESIDENT

President Sirisena’s state visit to Cambodia

Cambodia stands firmly together with Sri Lanka in further cementing bilateral relations in economic, trade, social spheres as well as the renaissance of Buddhism, King Preah Bat Samdech Preah Boronmeath Norodom Sihamoni of Cambodia said yesterday.

He made these comments when the visiting Sri Lanka President Maithripala Sirisena, who is currently on a fourday state visit to Cambodia had an audience and held talks with him at the palace last morning.

President Sirisena was accorded a grand welcome on his arrival at the Royal Palace by the King of Cambodia.

King Sihamoni recalled the strong ties between Cambodia and Sri Lanka and thanked the Sri Lankan leader for accepting the invitation to visit his nation.

The King commended the progress achieved by Sri Lanka under the leadership of President Sirisena in economic, trade, social and religious fields.the King also extended his gratitude for the assistance given by Sri Lanka to Cambodia in the educational sector including scholarships to Cambodian monks.

King Sihamoni and President Sirisena extensively discussed ways and means of furthering the existing relations in education, tourism and several other sectors for mutual benefit.

President Sirisena, while thanking the Cambodian King for the invitation, marking a milestone in the longstanding relations between the two countries said, this visit is even more important as Sri Lanka has already taken significant steps for the renaissance of Buddhism.

Later yesterday, President Sirisena visited the Independence Monument in Phnom Penh and paid a floral tribute to the statue of King-father of Cambodia, His Majesty Preah Bat Samdech Preah Boronmeath Norodom Sihanouk.

President’s visit to Cambodia would significantly strengthen the bilateral relationship between Cambodia and Sri Lanka, and expand cooperation in economic, trade, tourism and cultural fields.