The Republic of Korea has provided a humanitarian assistance package to Sri Lanka for drought relief at the President’s Official Residence in Colombo today (28).

President’s Media Division stated that a Korean Parliamentary delegation had handed over the relief material including eight lorry-mounted water bowsers to President Maithripala Sirisena today (28).

The keys of the water bowsers had been handed over by two leaders of the Korean Parliamentary delegation, Hong Moon-jong and Yoo Ki-june, who are both senior members of the Korean National Assembly.

Minister of Disaster Management, Anura Priyadharshana Yapa and Korean Ambassador Won-sam Chang were also present on this occasion, Presidential media reported.

On this occasion, President Sirisena had reportedly taken the opportunity to thank the Government and the people of South Korea for providing assistance to drought victims.

“As nearly two-thirds of the country is badly affected by the droughts and the people are in need of water, the bowsers donated by Korea are quite useful,” he had said.

Meanwhile, Minister Anura Priyadharshana Yapa had stated that the bowsers would be dispatched immediately to the drought-affected districts of Jaffna, Kilinochchi, Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa and Trincomalee.

Referring to close bilateral cooperation between the two nations, the President had thanked Korea for providing employment to nearly 30,000 Sri Lankans and looking after them properly.

Leader of the Korean delegation, Hong Moon-jong then proceeded to thank Sri Lanka for the support extended to Korea at the international forums, President’s Media Division reported.

He had added that the Korean employers were quite satisfied with the job performance and efficiency of Sri Lankan workers.

The delegation is reportedly visiting Sri Lanka to attend events to mark the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Former Korean Minister of Oceanic Affairs, Yoo Ki-june proceeded by remarking that an island nation like Sri Lanka could make maximum utilization of the vast sea resources, and accordingly added that Korea’s technical knowledge in the fisheries sector could be shared with Sri Lanka to develop fishing industry in this country.

He had further suggested that the cooperation in the fisheries sector could be established through the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA).

Following this, President Sirisena had welcomed the proposal for cooperation in the fisheries sector, and stated that with the support of Korean technical teams, Sri Lanka could further increase fish exports to Europe and other countries.

Both the past Director and current Director of KOICA had also been present during this discussion.