A group of members including the Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the Hainan Provincial People’s Congress of China meet Hon. Mahinda Yapa Abeywardana, the Speaker.
The delegation led by Dr. SUN Dahai, Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the Hainan Provincial People’s Congress of China, met Hon. Mahinda Yapa Hon. Mahinda Yapa Abeywardana, the Speaker, at the Parliament on the 16th. Hon. Mahinda Amaraweera, Minister and Chair of the Ministerial Consultative Committee on Agriculture and Plantation Industries, Hon. Mohan Priyadarshana De Silva, State Minister for Agriculture, Hon. D. Weerasingha, Chair of the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Food Security & Agriculture, Kushani Rohanadeera Secretary General of Parliament were present at this meeting held.
While engaging in a friendly discussion with the Speaker, the Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the Hainan Province People’s Congress informed about the support that Hainan Province can provide for the development of Sri Lanka and the actions to be followed for that. Accordingly, he stated that the entrepreneurs of that province have been informed regarding investing in Sri Lanka and even the necessary laws and regulations have been prepared for that purpose. He further emphasized on the opportunities for the businessmen of that province to invest in the Colombo port city. He further commented that the focus is also on promoting the tourism industry between that province and Sri Lanka.
The Speaker recalled the long friendship between Sri Lanka and China. The Speaker also expressed his gratitude to the officials of the Hainan Provincial People’s Congress for the support given to promote agriculture in this country. Accordingly, the Speaker thanked China for all the support provided so far and stated that he expects China’s support for Sri Lanka’s development activities in the future as well.
Flowing the said, the Hon. Mahinda Amaraweera, Minister and Chair of the Ministerial Consultative Committee on Agriculture and Plantation Industries informed the members of the standing committee of the Hainan Provincial People’s Congress regarding the current conditions and challenges of agriculture in this country. Accordingly, the representatives pointed out the importance of establishing a free trade agreement between the two parties in order to create a market for the country’s main export crops. Hon. D. Weerasingha, Chair of the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Food Security & Agriculture made an explanation and handed over the prepared report to the Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the Hainan Provincial People’s Congress.
Addressing the room, the Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the Hainan Provincial People’s Congress stated that they will direct resource persons with their expertise for the development of Sri Lanka’s agricultural industry and take necessary measures for the development of agriculture through knowledge transfer programs.
Mr. M. Jayalath Perera, Director Legislative Servises / Director Communication (Acting) and parliamentary officials were present at this meeting held.
