Lanka, Netherlands strengthen cooperation - Deputy FM

Uditha KUMARASINGHE and Irangika RANGE

Deputy Foreign Minister Hussein Bhaila told Parliament yesterday Sri Lanka continues to engage with the political leadership of the Netherlands to sensitise them on the ground realities in Sri Lanka, especially in the context of the Government's efforts to address the issues related to reconstruction, resettlement, rehabilitation and reconciliation in the post conflict phase and the evolution of inclusive political proposals.

He said at present the Government has maintained a close political interaction with Dutch officials, Members of Parliament, representations of the academic and civil society.

"Strong bilateral relations exist between Sri Lanka and the Netherlands. Sri Lanka, while promoting political relations with the Netherlands Government is also engaged in enhancing economic and cultural links between the two countries.

We have also maintained a continuous dialogue with the Dutch Embassy in Colombo".

The Deputy Foreign Minister was responding to an oral question raised by UNP MP Lakshman Kiriella.

He said "Sri Lanka's Foreign policy is conducted in compliance with the national interests of Sri Lanka. It has been impressed upon all our interlocutors that the national priorities of Sri Lanka would be addressed according to a home grown agenda as determined by the Government and the people of Sri Lanka".