(VIDEO) Sri Lanka stands side by side with Bangladesh - PM Rajapaksa

Colombo (News 1st); Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa on Friday (19) said the inspiring journey that the people of Bangladesh had undertaken from poverty and natural disasters in the past half-century is a testament to a prosperous nation in the making. He said Bangladesh is considered one of the key emerging economic powerhouses in South Asia. "It remains an important trading and investment partner for my country,” Rajapaksa said, adding that the exchanges between the two countries have continued to grow rapidly during the last few decades. The Sri Lankan Prime Minister made the remarks while addressing the event celebrating the birth centenary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the Golden Jubilee of Bangladesh’s Independence at the National Parade Ground as the guest of honor. As a neighbour and a close friend, he said, Sri Lanka stands side by side with Bangladesh to achieve greater freedom and prosperity. Despite many challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Rajapaksa said he joined in person today with the message of solidarity from the people of Sri Lanka. Despite setbacks, Rajapaksa said, Bangladesh continues to flourish under Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s able leadership. “The geographical locations of our two countries provide ample opportunities for us to enhance closer maritime, shipping, trade and people-to-people contacts,” Rajapaksa said. Rajapaksa said Prime Minister Hasina’s proposal to promote a “Blue Economy” in the Bay of Bengal continues to inspire their approach on maritime affairs. [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8k_n1AnmCAA[/embed]