Korea will assist Lanka's development - Envoy

Chaminda Perera

South Korea is ready to assist Sri Lanka's post- conflict reconstruction and reconciliation activities as a friend and a partner, said South Korean Ambassador in Sri Lanka Chi Jong Moon. "More South Korean companies are keen to invest in Sri Lanka," he said speaking at a reception to mark the national day of South Korea at Galle Face Hotel recently.

Moon said ties between the two countries have enhanced significantly.

A strong workforce of over 25,000 Sri Lankans is in South Korean and they contribute to the economic development of both countries. Rural Affairs Senior Minister Athauda Seneviratne said that relations between the two countries remain strong since the opening of the South Korean embassy in Colombo in 1977.

"Sri Lanka reciprocated it by opening a resident mission in Seoul," he said.

Seneviratne added that relations in the political, social, cultural and trade sectors between the two countries have deepened under the government led by President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

Senior Minister Seneviratne thanked the Korean government for extending development assistance to Sri Lanka. There has been generous assistance from Korea for landmark projects in Sri Lanka, he said. He added that Korean investors should make use of the vast potential in Sri Lanka with the dawn of peace in the country.

The minister said that thousands of Sri Lankans are studying Korean language and more avenues will be explored to build closer connectivity between the two countries.

Minister Senevirathne also thanked the government and the people of Korea for extending assistance to Sri Lanka in the aftermath of the tsunami in 2004. Ministers, parliamentarians and members of the diplomatic corps were present.