Uganda and Sri Lanka discuss MoU to combat transnational crime

Uganda and Sri Lanka discussed a proposed MoU between the Uganda Police Force and Sri Lanka Police on combating transnational crime and developing police cooperation, the Foreign Ministry said today.

Foreign Minister Tilak Marapana, during a tour in the African region to expand and reinvigorate bilateral relations, paid a courtesy call on Ugandan President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.

The discussions focused on the longstanding relations between the two countries with diplomatic relations being established in 1972.

The Ugandan President thanked the Government of Sri Lanka for the timely intervention in upgrading the Masulita Vocational and Technical Training Centre with a view to providing employment to youth. He also thanked the Government of Sri Lanka for the cooperation extended in providing training for officers of the Ugandan Army, Navy and the Airforce. He requested for further assistance in this area.

President Museveni appreciated the contribution of Sri Lankan investors and its impact on the Ugandan economy, especially in the mini-hydro power sector. Minister Marapana thanked the Government of Uganda for its unwavering support to Sri Lanka in the international fora.

The Foreign Minister also met the Prime Minister of Uganda Dr Ruhakana Rugunda, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Okello Oryem and Minister for Internal and Home Affairs Gen. Jeje Odongo.

Discussions were also held on proposed MoUs between Uganda Police Force and Sri Lanka Police on Combating Transnational Crime and Developing Police Cooperation, Defence and Military Cooperation, as well as the Agreement on Exemption on Visa Requirements for holders of Diplomatic and Service/Official Passports.

The Minister was accompanied by a delegation comprised of Sri Lanka?s High Commissioner to Kenya Sunil de Silva, Sri Lanka?s Honorary Consul in Uganda Veluppillai Kananathan and Private Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs Janaka Marapana. (Colombo Gazette)