SL workers' commitment, an example to others - Cyprus HC

Chaminda PERERA

Cyprus High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Nafsika Chr Krousti said Sri Lankan expatriate workers in Cyprus are offering a tireless service constituting a fine example to other foreign nationals in Cyprus.

She said Cyprus has been a popular destination to Sri Lankan expatriate workers and appreciated the achievements made by Sri Lanka after 30 years of terrorism.

Krousti was speaking at the reception held at Hilton Hotel in Colombo to mark the 51st Independence Day of the Republic of Cyprus on Tuesday.

She conveyed the best wishes of the people of Cyprus to all Sri Lankans for the achievements made by Sri Lanka in development after eradicating terrorism.

Krousti added that there is great scope for further development of the existing relations between the two countries in the education, trade and tourism sectors.

She noted that Cyprus accession to EU created a diversified avenue of cooperation in this regard.

"Our two nations are trustworthy friends and partners who have gone through difficult times," she added.

She was of the view that the two countries should promote relations in all feilds.

Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development Minister Rajitha Senaratne who was the chief guest at the Cyprus Independence day celebrations said relations between the two countries based on shared values and mutual interests have expanded in almost all fields including culture and politics.

The minister said the visit of former Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickremanayake to Cyprus in 2008 marked another milestone of the sound relations between the two countries.

He said over 25,000 expatriates are working in Cyprus.

"Following the accession of Cyprus under the European Union, we have noticed that Cyprus is in the process of reformulating a social insurance scheme for migrant workers in Cyprus in keeping with EU standards.

"Cyprus has become a popular destination for Sri Lankan migrant workers in the recent past because of the healthy working coditions and attractive salaries," he added.

The minister said the presence of Sri Lankan students in Cyprus has promoted people-to-people contact between the two countries.

"We Sri Lankans have realized the value of independence and freedom as we today rejoice over defeating terrorism. We are also firm in our principle of respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of States," the minister said.

Minister Senaratne invited the people of Cyprus to enjoy the natural beauty and the diversity of Sri Lanka.

Honorary Consul General of Cyprus Premani Perera also spoke.

Parliamentarians, members of the diplomatic corp and the Foreign Ministry officials were present.