On August 25th, Australia’s High Commissioner David Holly met with Sri Lanka’s Foreign Minister Prof. G. L. Peiris to discuss bilateral relations despite concerns over Sri Lanka’s worst human rights record.
In a recent cabinet reshuffle, Prof. G. L. Peiris was appointed as foreign minister, and the meeting took place for the first time after he took office.
According to Sri Lanka’s Foreign Ministry press release, they have discussed avenues for advancing bilateral relations with Australia across multiple fields of mutual interest.
“While appreciating Australia’s continued assistance on numerous fronts, Foreign Minister Peiris particularly, underlined Sri Lanka’s commitment and interest to enhance cooperation in countering irregular migration by sea, combatting COVID-19, education, technical & vocational training, economic and investment sectors, which was reciprocated by Australia,” said in the press release.
The press release also said that Australia was ready to assist Sri Lanka in the socio-economic development process.
