President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, currently on an official visit to the Federal Republic of Germany, held bilateral talks with German Federal Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development, Reem Alabali-Radovan, yesterday at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in Berlin.
The high-level discussion centred on the shared economic challenges faced by both nations amid shifting global economic trends. Both parties explored new avenues for enhancing economic cooperation between Sri Lanka and Germany.
President Dissanayake expressed appreciation for the longstanding partnership between the two countries, particularly Germany’s substantial contributions to vocational training and the healthcare sector. He highlighted the impact of institutions such as the Ceylon German Technical Training Institute (CGTTI) as a cornerstone of bilateral cooperation.
The President emphasised the need to transform traditional development assistance into strategic, mutually beneficial partnerships, aligning with Sri Lanka’s evolving national priorities and development goals.
Minister Alabali-Radovan welcomed the renewed engagement and assured Germany’s continued interest in supporting Sri Lanka’s economic recovery and sustainable development agenda, especially through skills development, technology transfer, and green economic initiatives.
Accompanying the President were Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, Vijitha Herath, Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to Germany, Varuni Muthukumarana, and Director General for Europe and North America at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Sugeeshwara Gunaratna, along with other senior officials.
The visit marks a significant step in reinvigorating Sri Lanka–Germany relations, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to deepening economic cooperation and political dialogue.
