New head of EU delegation presents credentials to President

Promises to continue EU assistance to SL

The new Head of Delegation of the European Union (EU) Tung-lai Margue said yesterday the EU countries were amazed at the rapid progress made by Sri Lanka under the new government during a very short period.

He assured President Maithripala Sirisena that the EU would extend its fullest support to the government for it to accomplish its plans of reconciliation, economic development and social progress.

Mr. Margue made these remarks when he presented his credentials to the President at the President’s Residence yesterday (14). President Sirisena, referring to the close bilateral relations between Sri Lanka and the EU countries, expressed confidence that the new envoy would strive to further strengthen bilateral friendship and cooperation in many areas including strengthening democracy, reconciliation, trade and investment.

The President also recalled the close economic cooperation between Sri Lanka and European Union and thanked EU for lifting the fish import ban. “Now we are in a position to send more and more fish to Europe,” he said.

President Sirisena expressed hopes that the EU would restore the GSP Plus concession to Sri Lanka early so that Sri Lanka could increase exports to the EU, especially garments and apparel. He pointed out that the garment industry was one of the highest earners of foreign exchange for the country and was extremely vital for the growth of Sri Lanka’s economy.

Ambassador Margue explained that he had visited the Export Fair held in Colombo yesterday and that he was highly impressed with the range of products Sri Lanka had to offer the export market.

He said that he fell in love with Sri Lanka when he spent a holiday here with his wife two years ago and he was very happy to come back as EU Ambassador to strengthen relations between the European Union and ‘this beautiful country’. Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera, Secretary to the President P B Abeykoon and Foreign Secretary Esala Weerakoon were also present at the occasion.

Now we are in a position to send more and more fish to Europe,