Sri Lanka to explore new?markets as virus hits economy

Sri Lanka is to explore new markets for Sri Lankan products, especially for tea, as the coronavirus takes a hit on the economy.

Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunawardena met with senior officials of the Ministry of Foreign Relations today at the Ministry to discuss about the welfare of the Sri Lankan expatriate communities, difficulties currently being faced by these communities and ways to explore practical solutions to assist expatriate communities at this time of need.

Earlier this week, taking note of the growing concerns of the Overseas Sri Lankans amidst the rapid spread of COVID- 19 and their inability to immediately return to Sri Lanka, the Ministry had discussed with Sri Lanka Missions abroad ongoing and further measures to ensure the well being and safety of Overseas Sri Lankans.

In discussing issues of migrant workers, especially in the Middle Eastern countries, the Minister directed the senior officials of the Ministry to work closely with the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) to find appropriate solutions to such issues.

Foreign Minister Gunawardena also highlighted the importance of maintaining economic and trade relations between Sri Lanka and other countries?during this period.?He?advised?the officials?to?take necessary actions to explore new?markets for?Sri Lankan products,?especially?for Tea and?to?consolidate?existing markets for Sri Lankan products such as apparel.

Foreign Minister Gunawardena appreciated the?services of?senior officials of the?Ministry,?including?staff of?Sri Lankan?Overseas Missions,?and?their dedication during this difficult period.?Secretary?Ravinatha Aryasinha, Additional Secretaries, Directors General?and other senior officials attended the meeting.