Australia expands partnership with Lanka

Australia has reaffirmed its commitment to deepening ties with Sri Lanka, announcing enhanced cooperation in key sectors including dengue prevention, maritime security, trade and investment, and disaster preparedness during a visit by Australia's Special Envoy for Indian Ocean Affairs, Tim Watts MP, Australian High Commission said in a release.

Concluding his visit to Sri Lanka, Watts said Australia remained committed to working closely with Sri Lanka to promote a peaceful, stable and prosperous Indian Ocean region while strengthening bilateral cooperation on issues of mutual importance.

Highlighting the growing partnership, Watts announced that Australia would provide AUD 2 million in development assistance to support the proposed Sri Lanka Wolbachia Project aimed at controlling dengue, following a recent surge in mosquito-borne infections after Cyclone Ditwah.

Expressing Australia's sympathies over the worsening dengue outbreak, Watts said Sri Lanka was an important neighbour in the Indian Ocean and that Australia was partnering with the Sri Lankan Government in a range of priority areas, including dengue prevention, maritime security, trade and investment, and disaster preparedness.

As part of Australia's AUD 7 million humanitarian and recovery assistance package, Watts attended the ceremonial handover of two inflatable rescue boats to the Disaster Management Centre. Disaster assessment drones will also be provided to the National Building Research Institute to strengthen the country's disaster preparedness and emergency response capabilities.

During his visit, Watts toured the South Asia Gateway Terminal at the Port of Colombo, where he was briefed on Sri Lanka's strategic role as a regional transshipment hub and discussed the shared maritime interests of the two countries.

He also met Deputy Minister of Mass Media Dr. Kaushalya Ariyarathne to discuss common challenges facing the media sector and opportunities to expand bilateral cooperation.

Watts held separate discussions with co-chair of the Australia-Sri Lanka Parliamentary Friendship Group S.M. Marikkar and Pathfinder Foundation founder Milinda Moragoda on strengthening bilateral relations and promoting cooperation across the Indian Ocean region.

The visit marked Watts' second trip to Sri Lanka. He previously visited the country in October 2023, when, as Australia's Assistant Foreign Minister, he represented Australia at the 23rd Meeting of the Indian Ocean Rim Association Council of Ministers.

"Australia remains committed to working closely with Sri Lanka to support a peaceful, stable and prosperous Indian Ocean region and to deepen the ties that benefit both our countries," Watts said.

He added that he was grateful for the warm welcome extended to him during his return visit to Sri Lanka.