President Anura Kumara Dissanayake met with Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles at the Presidential Secretariat yesterday (3) for discussions aimed at further strengthening the longstanding ties between Sri Lanka and Australia. The meeting placed particular emphasis on enhancing cooperation across political, economic, defence, and investment spheres.
President Dissanayake highlighted Sri Lanka’s recent strides toward economic stability and shared details of the Government’s ongoing efforts to eliminate corruption and fraud. He also expressed gratitude for Australia’s continued support, especially in maritime security operations, and its assistance in curbing illegal trade, human trafficking, terrorism, and arms smuggling. The President underscored Sri Lanka’s status as a secure destination for both tourism and foreign investment.
Deputy Prime Minister Marles reaffirmed Australia’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with Sri Lanka, noting the deep-rooted 70-year economic and political relationship between the two countries. He praised the Government’s anti-corruption drive and said a key objective of his visit was to explore ways to enhance collaboration in trade, tourism, investment, and broader political and economic relations.
The Australian delegation included Australian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Paul Stephens, Secretary of the Department of Defence Gregory Laurence Moriarty, Senior Adviser to the Deputy Prime Minister Simon Eric O’Connor, and Australian Deputy High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Lalita Kapur. Representing Sri Lanka were Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake and Additional Secretary to the President Roshan Gamage.
