Celebrating Germany’s unity day and Lankan ties

By Rajitha Weerakoon

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At a glittering celebration held under a large marquee in the spacious garden of “Berlin Villa,” the German Ambassador John Rhode noted that the 28th Anniversary of German Unity that fell on October 3 coincided with the celebration of 70 years of Sri Lanka’s Parliamentary democracy.

In Germany, he said, just nine days ago, 77% cast their ballots – a 6% increase from the previous election. Over 85% supported established political parties. Angela Merkel will continue as Chancellor probably in a different coalition set up. Whatever the final coalition arrangement would be, the close relationship between Sri Lanka and Germany meant that we were both committed to fostering democracy and development.

Reciprocating the German Ambassador’s warm appreciation of Sri Lanka’s policies the Minister of Ports and Shipping Mahinda Samarasinghe, who ceremonially represented the Sri Lankan government at the German reception said that Germany has given the right political leadership which had accounted for its success in becoming the world’s fourth largest economy and in Europe, the strongest economy among its many other success stories. – a comment to which the Ambassador later quipped that it should also include football with Germany tipped to win the next Football World Cup. As for Sri Lanka, the Minister said that we are marching towards good governance and that we hope to achieve sustainable development.

The Minister also recalled that Chancellor Merkel had a comprehensive knowledge of Sri Lanka. When President Maithripala Sirisena visited Germany, Minister Samarasinghe who was included in the Lankan delegation said that Chancellor Merkel met President Sirisena without her advisors. When President Sirisena asked her why she invited him to Germany she said “we reach out to you as you are committed to good governance and you have given correct political leadership.”