During crisis situations:

Philippines will never isolate Sri Lanka - Ambassador

Suraj A Bandara

Prime Minister D.M. Jayaratna welcomes the newly appointed Philippine ambassador Bahnarim Abu Guinomla at the Prime Minister’s office.

Sri Lanka will never be isolated by the Philippines and its friendly countries during crisis situations, Philippine Ambassador Bahnarim Abu Guinomla said.

He said this when he called on Prime Minister D.M. Jayaratna at the Prime Minister's office yesterday.

He further expressed his delight at being appointed as the new Ambassador in a country such as Sri Lanka which maintains good relations with big and small nations that are free of terrorism.

The ambassador said the total elimination of terrorism was a great achievement in the recent history of Sri Lanka. He was confident that none of the friendly countries in the world will leave Sri Lanka isolated in any crisis. Sri Lanka and the Philippines maintained a long time diplomatic relationship which is more stronger than the past. Discussions were focused on strengthening trade ties between the two countries and promote economic affairs. The programmes on Philippines export industry also figured in the discussion.

Senior Minister Athauda Seneviratna, Sri Lankan Ambassador in Philippines Nawalage Bennet Cooray and Prime Minister's Secretary S. Amarasekara were present.