Brazilian assistance for agri sector

President Mahinda Rajapaksa met President Lula da Silva of Brazil on the margins of the FAO conference on world food security, to discuss issues of relevance and importance to both the countries, states an Information Department press release.

President Rajapaksa explained that one the most compelling problems for Sri Lanka has been the unforeseen rise of the prices of oil and that this, in turn, has created a sense of unpredictability in the country's economy and the global economy in general.

President Rajapaksa also broached the idea to President da Silva to have greater cooperation and assistance from Brazil in order to develop the cultivation and farming sector.

President da Silva was receptive of this proposition and requested the relevant authorities to organise visits in this regard. President Rajapaksa also informed President da Silva of the irrigation projects the country has undertaken and the projects which are currently in operation.

Da Silva invited President Rajapaksa to send a delegation to his country to enable familiarisation with mining, irrigation and agriculture.

Both Heads of State discussed the vitality of food security and ways in which the food security crisis could be addressed with efficacy and predicability. The President expressed appreciation to President Lula da Silva for opening up a Diplomatic Mission in Colombo.

He further requested the Brazilian President to visit Sri Lanka at a mutually convenient date.