Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa acknowledged Australia’s support for Sri Lanka during the revival meeting of the Sri Lanka-Australia Parliamentary Friendship Association at the Sri Lankan Parliament.
He expressed gratitude for Australia’s assistance during key moments, including the 2004 tsunami, Easter Sunday attacks, and the recent economic crisis.
Highlighting Australia’s role in Sri Lanka’s development and the potential for future collaboration, Premadasa pointed to key areas such as education, trade, migration, and tourism. He also called for increased Australian investments and joint educational initiatives.
“There are more than 145,000 Sri Lankans living in Australia. We appreciate the opportunity for Sri Lankan students to enter the Australian education system. We encourage joint ventures and cooperative education initiatives that would allow Australian universities to establish campuses in Sri Lanka, providing greater access to your education system,” he said.
Premadasa also stressed on the importance of strategic partnerships in security and governance, citing Australia’s legislative practices, including its Parliamentary Budget Office, as a model for Sri Lanka.
The event was attended by Australian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Paul Stephens and members of Sri Lanka’s Parliament. (Newswire)