New Zealand to provide expertise for public sector reforms

Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena called for increase in bilateral economic co-operation between New Zealand and Sri Lanka and also enhancing support under the Colombo Plan.

When New Zealand High Commissioner Michael Appleton called on him at Temple Trees, on Tuesday, he recalled that Sri Lanka Dental College in Maharagama was established under a Colombo Plan grant given by New Zealand and asked for further support to the institution. High Commissioner Appleton agreed to pay a visit to the Dental College and explore the support his country could provide.

He also said New Zealand also planning to provide expertise for Sri Lanka’s public sector reforms programme. A team headed by former Public Service Commissioner of New Zealand would come to Sri Lanka shortly to assist this process.

The Prime Minister also asked the High Commissioner to share New Zealand’s experience in solving the land-holding issue of indigenous people as Sri Lanka plans to amend the outdated Lands Ordinance.

They held discussions on the bilateral relations between the two countries and the steps Sri Lanka is taking to overcome the current economic challenges, debt restructuring, trade and investment, electoral reforms.

Yadamini Gunawardena MP, Prime Minister’s Additional Secretary to the Mahinda Gunaratne and Policy Advisor of the New Zealand High Commission, Sumudu Jayasinghe were also present on this occasion.