First Lady meets Bangladesh PM

First Lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa who is in Bangladesh to attend a special seminar on children suffering from autism, paid a courtesy call on Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheik Hasina at her official residence on Tuesday.

First Lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa meeting Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheik Hasina. Picture by Udesh Guneratne

The Bangladesh Prime Minister who warmly received the First Lady had a half hour long discussion with her on matters relating to mutual friendship and relations between the two countries. The First Lady gave a first hand account of the programmes she has launched for the benefit and welfare of children and women in Sri Lanka, such as, the Siriliya Saviya and the Carlton Suwa Udana Social Hospitality and Welfare Programme and explained the benefits gained through them by the Sri Lankan people.

Sheik Hasina who commended the First Lady for her social welfare work, offered a special encomium for the Siriliya Saviya programme for the protection of children orphaned due to terrorist activities and said it was a fine example to the rest of the world.

The Bangladesh Prime Minister said she wished to convey the appreciation of her people and herself to President Mahinda Rajapaksa for his unrelenting efforts to usher in rapid development and transform Sri Lanka into a Wonder of Asia.

Recalling the longstanding friendly relations between the two countries, the Bangladesh Prime Minister said the two countries should work closely in future to promote the welfare of children and women in Sri Lanka.

The First Lady and Sheik Hasina also exchanged special mementos to mark the occasion. Deputy Minister Lalith Dissanayake, Sri Lanka High Commissioner in Bangladesh Sarath Weragoda, Senior Assistant Secretary to the President Deepa Liyanage and Consultant Dr Ranjani Gamage, P D Ratnayake and S Wijetunga were also present on the occasion.