June 03, Colombo (LNW): President Anura Kumara Dissanayake met with Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister, Richard Marles, for bilateral discussions held at the Presidential Secretariat earlier today.
The meeting marked a renewed commitment by both nations to strengthen a diplomatic partnership that has endured for more than seven decades.
The talks, described as cordial and forward-looking, revolved around deepening economic ties, reinforcing political cooperation, and expanding collaboration on regional security issues.
According to official sources, the two leaders explored new avenues for strategic engagement, particularly in the Indo-Pacific context.
President Dissanayake extended his gratitude to the Australian Government for its continued support in various critical sectors. He highlighted Canberra’s contributions to Sri Lanka’s efforts in enhancing maritime safety, countering transnational crime, and addressing pressing issues such as people smuggling and the illicit arms trade.
These areas, the President noted, are vital to regional stability and the protection of national sovereignty.
Mr Marles arrived on the island yesterday evening, accompanied by a delegation of senior officials aboard a special aircraft operated by Australia’s Ministry of Defence. His visit underscores the growing importance of Sri Lanka in Australia’s broader regional security and economic framework.
