Rambukkana town and Gaziantep town of Turkey become twinning cities

Dharma Sri Abeyratne

Rambukkana town of the Sabaragamuwa Province and Gaziantep town of Turkey have become twinning cities after signing an MoU recently in Turkey.

The MoU was signed by Sabaragamuwa Province Chief Minister Mahipala Herath and Gaziantep Mayor Asim Guzelbey on Tuesday with the coordination of Sri Lanka Foreign Affairs Ministry and Sri Lankan Ambassador in Turkey Barathi Wijerathne.

The Rambukkana town, which is famous for tourism situated in the Kegalle district of the Sabaragamuwa Province, while the Gaziantep town is a speedily developing city in Turkey. Therefore, Gaziantep is called as the "Flashing star of Turkey".

The world renowned Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, which is among major tourist destinations in the country is situated in the Rambukkana town.

In accordance with the MoU, the two towns will act in a brotherly manner in future, Chief Minister Herath said. Accordingly, the two towns will act together always especially in social, economic, cultural and tourism sectors. Moreover, the Gaziantep mayor has agreed to develop Rambukkana town as a modern tourist city that has every facility for tourism.

Ambassador Wijerathne said this was a highly significant event for both countries since the two countries have been associated with each other for over 100 years.