February 05, Colombo (LNW): Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea, Lee Hak-young, has spoken warmly of the role played by Sri Lankan workers in supporting South Korea’s economy, offering his appreciation to Sri Lanka for their dedication and contribution.
The remarks were made during a meeting with Sri Lanka’s Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development, Sunil Handunnetti, where both sides reflected on labour cooperation and broader economic engagement.
Minister Handunnetti, in turn, thanked the Korean government for opening employment avenues to Sri Lankan citizens, noting that the country’s workforce is known for its technical skills, adaptability and strong work ethic.
Discussions also explored opportunities for increased Korean investment in Sri Lanka, with particular emphasis on manufacturing and industrial ventures. It was noted that investors could take advantage of Sri Lanka’s skilled labour base while using the country as a gateway to major regional markets, including India, Pakistan and Bangladesh.
Drawing on South Korea’s own economic history, Deputy Speaker Lee observed that his country had navigated periods of severe financial difficulty in the past. Referring to Sri Lanka’s ongoing engagement with the International Monetary Fund, he expressed confidence that the island nation would emerge stronger and steadily move towards long-term economic development.
The meeting further covered practical issues such as easing visa-related challenges, deepening people-to-people links and building on five decades of diplomatic relations. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to expanding cooperation and reinforcing the long-standing partnership between Sri Lanka and the Republic of Korea.
