(UTV|COLOMBO) – Britain’s State Minister for Trade Policy Greg Hands during a discussion with the Sri Lankan Prime Minister has said that the UK expects to explore trade and investment opportunities in construction of rural bridges and hospitals in Sri Lanka.
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has met with the State Minister during his recent visit to London, England.
During discussions, the UK State Minister had drawn Premier Wickremesinghe’s attention to providing British expertise on building public and private partnerships in the development of the Colombo Port City.
The Premier has also briefed the British State Minister on the possibility of implementing the British public law in the Colombo port city which will serve as an international financial center and on the discussions with the Bar Association of Sri Lanka regarding the issue.
The discussion also focused on the investment opportunities in Sri Lanka’s mineral resources such as titanium dioxide and the UK’s ability to provide financial technology.
The Prime Minister’s Media Division said Premier Wickremesinghe also held discussions with Former UK Prime Minister David Cameron.
Mr. Wickremesinghe briefed David Cameron on the political trends including the abolition of the executive presidency, the establishment of the office of missing persons as well as the implementation of Hambantota projects on Chinese investment and the expected Indian involvement in the Mattala airport.
The Premier also recalled the untimely demise of Sir Desmond De Silva while the discussion on repealing the Prevention of Terrorism Act, and his support to form the truth and justice commission.
Pointing out that Jaffna’s economy was not yet restored, Mr. Wickremesinghe said that it is a challenge to restore social, economic balance that was destroyed by the LTTE.
The Premier also held discussions with UK Parliamentarian Ranil Jayewardene and briefed him on the construction of the railway line between Jaffna-Mannar and new town in Pooneryn and the Indian investments to develop the Palaly Airport and the Indian and Japanese investment due to be received for the Trincomalee district.
The Premier and the UK parliamentarian exchanged ideas on developing a supply hub connecting Trincomalee, Kandy, Colombo and Hambantota districts and the construction of tourist bungalows in Dedduwa, Koggala, Iranawila and Valaichchenai.
UK Parliamentarian Jayawardene, recalling the investments given to Sri Lanka by the former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher to construct the Victoria Dam, said several British companies have discussed with him the possibility of providing technical knowledge and the support for the construction of bridges in Sri Lanka.
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