Seychelles and Sri Lanka - Bolstering relations in agriculture and maritime security |02 March 2017

Agriculture and maritime security were the focus of discussion when President Danny Faure met the Minister for Agriculture of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka Duminda Dissanayake.

The meeting was held the presence of Seychelles’ Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries Michael Benstrong, the consultant to the Sri Lankan minister, Dr S D G Jayawardena, who is also the chairman for the Sri Lankan Council for Agriculture Research Policy and the Director General of Agriculture, Dr Rohan Wijekoon.  

“My visit here today is to consolidate the excellent ties we have between Seychelles and Sri Lanka and to take our relationship to the next level. We are seeking the assistance of your government to facilitate necessary exposure and exchanges for our Seychellois by sharing some of your best practices in the fields of agriculture,” said President Faure.

President Faure also discussed areas of cooperation for increased trade and commerce in agricultural products between Seychelles and Sri Lanka while also benefiting from Sri Lanka’s expertise in terms of border control and biosecurity.

On behalf of Sri Lanka, Minister Dissanayake pledged their support as a country and ministry to assist Seychelles by sharing their best practices and offered their commitment in ensuring Seychelles receives the necessary support.

At this juncture, Minister Benstrong will be extending his visit in Sri Lanka for further exploration of cooperation avenues and visit of key sites such as the airport and port for greater insights of the Sri Lankan quarantine system and biosecurity measures in place.

President Faure is currently on a working visit in Sri Lanka aimed towards enhancing relations between the two countries.