A discussion between the Ambassador of the Government of Egypt for Sri Lanka and the Maldives, Mr. Margaret Moshle, and the Minister of Fisheries, Mr. Douglas Devananda was held at the Ministry of Fisheries on 21/03/2023. Here it was discussed about getting the experience and technical support of the Egyptian government to develop fishery activities in Sri Lanka.

The Egyptian ambassador, who commented on this occasion, said that his government is willing to support the traditional fishery community and seafood producers in Sri Lanka and the investors of his country are willing to invest in fishery products in Sri Lanka. He also said that hopes to visit the Northern Province as soon as possible.

In his comments, the Minister explained that he is looking forward to the Egyptian ambassador's visit to the North, and he also explained about the projects related to fisheries and aquaculture which are to be launched in Sri Lanka. He said that these projects are expected to be commenced once the country receives funds from foreign investors.

The Minister further stated that the President of Sri Lanka, Mr. Ranil Wickremesinghe, is a liberal politician and that he has very well perceived the ethnic problem of this country and tries at his best to implement the national reconciliation policy. Having the National Anthom sung in both Sinhala and Tamil languages at this year’s Independence Day Celebration brought the commendation of the Tamil speaking people of the country. He also said that he was one of the few Sri Lankans who was trained in the Palestine Liberation Movement in the early stages of his political career and therefore he has a firm understanding about the Palestinian crisis. The current international political situation was also discussed at length and he said that because of the sound political knowledge of the Honorable President Ranil Wickramasinghe, Sri Lanka was able to get the necessary financial relief from the International Monetary Fund to get rid of the current economic crisis Sri Lanka is facing . At the same time, the Minister requested the Ambassador to encourage the investors of the Egyptian government to invest in our country as Sri Lanka will soon come over this crisis and then we need foreign investments.

The Minister's advisor Dr. S Thawaraja also participated in this discussion.