Depth of Sri Lanka-German relationship consists in people-to-people
contact - Minister Peiris
”The depth of the longstanding relationship between Sri Lanka and
Germany lies in the people to people contacts developed over half a
century through German assistance straddling a wide spectrum of our
national life.” These observations were made by the External Affairs
Minister Prof G L Peiris who was the chief guest at the launching of the
website ‘Germany Helping Hands’ by the German Ambassador to Sri Lanka
Jens Ploetner last Thursday.
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External Affairs Minister Prof G L Peiris and German
Ambassador Jens Ploetner at the website launch. |
The website provides information on 454 German assisted projects in
all parts of the island over a period of 50 years, to the value of over
Rs 75 billion. These projects include both German government funded
projects through the GIZ, as well as projects implemented through
private funds from German friends of Sri Lanka such as the paediatric
intensive care unit in Galle. Welcoming the initiative, the Minister
said the website was a convenient device to bring to the attention of
Sri Lankan public the range of projects funded through Germany.
Minister Peiris highlighted the unique significance of the Sri Lanka
German relationship which is not confined to government to government
relations, and is demonstrated through the projects highlighted in the
website on German development cooperation with private public
partnership.
He added that the projects being spread over all parts of the country
was remarkable, particularly when Sri Lanka was trying to get back on
track after a protracted conflict.
Noting that Germany was an important economic partner for Sri Lanka,
the Minister added that German help has enhanced the calibre of Sri
Lanka’s human potential which is our abiding strength.
Contact between the governments of Sri Lanka and Germany has been of
crucial importance, the Minister said. The hallmark of this relationship
has been the priority which German authorities over the years has
accorded to the Sri Lanka’s requirements, as spelt out by the relevant
ministries and other agencies of the Government of Sri Lanka.
As examples, Prof Peiris cited the focus on training and skills
development as illustrated by the work of well-known institutions like
the German Technical Institute in Moratuwa. The Minister also mentioned
micro-credit schemes supported by the government of Germany and water
projects in several parts of the country including Galle. |
