PRESS RELEASE

Issued by the Royal Netherlands Embassy

06 March 2006

The purpose was for the delegation to familiarize itself with the current political, economic and tsunami reconstruction situation in Sri Lanka. The delegation consisted of three members of the Christian Democratic party, two members of the Labour Party and one member of the Liberal party.

The visit was very successful and the delegation was encouraged by the initiatives undertaken in the framework of the bilateral cooperation between the Netherlands and Sri Lanka. The two countries focus their cooperation on mutual cultural heritage, private sector support and tsunami reconstruction.

The delegation visited Galle, where they met with entrepreneurs, who were assisted by the back to business programme of the Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Sri Lanka (FCCISL). The delegation was also received by the council of the Galle Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The Netherlands government is the principal financier of the Back to Business programme.

In April 2003 the Netherlands and Sri Lanka signed a joint policy framework for co-operation in the field of Mutual Cultural Heritage of Sri Lanka. This cooperation will be further strengthened from the year 2006 onwards by implementing an integrated programme covering preservation and development of the Southern province, combining all major touristic and cultural sites. The delegation also visited the cultural sites in the Galle Fort.

The delegation also met with Hon. Mr. Mangala Samaraweera, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Mr. Dinesh Gunawardena, Minister of Urban Development and Water Supply, Hon. Mr. Gunawardena, Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Members of Parliament and international NGO's.

The government of the Netherlands contributed EUR 24 million to Post Tsunami reconstruction programmes and projects with the private sector as an important partner.