LNP – Australia ready to work with Sri Lanka’s new administration: Australian Deputy Prime Minister

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence of Australia Richard Marles, reflecting on the 70-year economic and political relationship between the two countries, conveyed Australia’s commitment to working closely with Sri Lanka’s new administration. 

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake held discussions with Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles at the Presidential Secretariat this morning (03), the President’s Media Division (PMD) said.

The meeting focused on further strengthening the historic ties between Sri Lanka and Australia, with particular emphasis on enhancing bilateral cooperation.

President Dissanayake highlighted Sri Lanka’s progress towards economic stability and briefed Deputy Prime Minister Marles on the government’s ongoing efforts to combat corruption and fraud.

He also expressed appreciation for the Australian Government’s support in recent maritime security operations and its assistance in addressing illegal trade, human trafficking, terrorism and arms smuggling. 

The President further reaffirmed that Sri Lanka remains a secure destination for tourism and investment.

Deputy Prime Minister Marles praised the government’s anti-corruption initiatives and emphasised that enhancing trade, economic, political, tourism and investment relations was a central objective of his visit.