Aug 19, 2020 (LBO) – State Minister of Regional Co-operation Tharaka Balasuriya highlights the importance of regional cooperation within Sri Lanka’s foreign policy and the necessity of exploring the potential to attract investment to the country through regional cooperation.
Assuming duties at the Foreign Ministry today, he reiterated that Sri Lanka will maintain close relations with neighbouring countries, especially within the Asian region with whom Sri Lanka has been maintaining close and friendly ties.
The State Minister was received by Foreign Secretary Admiral (Prof.) Jayanath Colombage and other senior officials, upon his arrival at the Ministry.
The State Minister also highlighted that he is looking forward to working closely with Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunawardena and the officials of the Ministry in achieving the foreign policy objectives of the country under the leadership of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa.
Welcoming the State Minister, Foreign Secretary Admiral Prof.
Colombage extended congratulations on the new appointment and also highlighted the Foreign Ministry’s contribution to the development of Sri Lanka’s economic sector while maintaining the friendly neighbourhood foreign policy through regional cooperation.
State Minister Balasuriya was first elected to Parliament in 2015 and held the State Ministerial portfolio of Social Security following the establishment of the new Government under President Gotabaya Rajapaksa in November 2019.
Previously, he was a member of the Sabaragamuwa Provincial Council, for which he was elected in the year 2012.
