Ambassador Kananathan, President Bio discuss strengthening economic relations

In a bid to further economic diplomacy in Africa, Sri Lankan Ambassador Kana Kananathan held a significant meeting with President Julius Maada Bio in Freetown, Sierra Leone, yesterday.

President Bio commended Ambassador Kananathan for his contribution as an election observer during the 2023 Presidential Elections and his dedication to bolstering both diplomatic and economic ties between Sri Lanka and Sierra Leone. The discussions between the two leaders centered on potential areas of collaboration, with a mutual agreement to intensify efforts towards achieving shared benefits for their nations.

President Bio expressed his gratitude for the substantial Sri Lankan investments in Sierra Leone, particularly the major project by Browns Investments Ltd of Sri Lanka, a part of the LOLC group. The company, Sunbird Bioenergy (SL) Ltd, manages a 23,500-hectare sugarcane farm and runs a factory with an annual production capacity of 22 million litres of portable ethanol at present which is the main component of most alcoholic beverages. This venture of Browns Investments is one of the largest sugarcane agricultural projects in Africa underscoring the strong economic partnership between Sri Lanka and Sierra Leone. Sierra Leone presents lucrative investment opportunities across various sectors, including mining, manufacturing, agriculture, maritime, fisheries and energy. President Bio invited Sri Lankan investors to explore these opportunities, fostering a win-win scenario that would further enhance economic relations.

Moreover, Sierra Leone’s recent election as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for the 2024-2025 term highlights the country’s increasing global influence.

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