02 August 2013 – The Sri Lankan Minister of External Affairs, Professor G.L. Peiris, is in the Philippines for an official visit from July 31 to August 03. 

He paid a courtesy call on Vice President Jejomar Binay on August 01 and had bilateral discussions with Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert F. del Rosario.

Secretary Del Rosario and Minister Peiris discussed possible areas for bilateral cooperation, particularly in agriculture, trade and investments, construction, power and energy, tourism and air services. He also extended his government’s invitation to the Philippine government and business leaders to participate in the Commonwealth Business Forum which Sri Lanka will host in November 2013. Minister Peiris also expressed Sri Lanka’s interest in sharing with the Philippines experiences and best practices in disaster risk management.

They also exchanged views on regional and international issues.  Secretary Del Rosario briefed Minister Peiris on the arbitral proceedings concerning the West Philippine Sea (WPS), while Minister Peiris conveyed his government’s appreciation for the Philippines’ support to Sri Lanka at international fora, including the Human Rights Council in Geneva.

They also discussed Maali, the elephant that was donated by Sri Lanka to the Philippines in 1980. Minister Peiris expressed satisfaction with Maali’s condition and both he and the Secretary agreed that Maali is a “symbol of the long standing friendship between the Philippines and Sri Lanka.” 

During his visit, Minister Peiris attended the “Business Forum on Sri Lanka,” held on August 01. He discussed with representatives from the Philippine business and private sectors the two countries’ possible new joint venture projects. The forum was jointly organized by the Sri Lankan Embassy in Manila and the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry. 

This is the first visit to the Philippines of Minister Peiris in his capacity as Minister of External Affairs. END