President of the European Union Council, Mr. Radosław Sikorski, has expressed his willingness to consider establishing a new office in Sri Lanka as a solution to the difficulties Sri Lankans face when applying for visas to EU member states. His remarks came during a meeting with Sri Lanka’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism, Mr. Vijitha Herath, in response to concerns raised regarding the challenges faced by Sri Lankan applicants.

Mr. Sikorski, who currently serves as Poland’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and holds the rotating presidency of the European Council, arrived at Bandaranaike International Airport this morning (28) for a three-day official visit. He held official talks with Minister Herath at the Ministry this afternoon.

During the meeting, Minister Herath expressed his gratitude to Poland, which currently holds the EU Presidency, for the continued provision of the GSP+ trade concession to Sri Lanka. He also appreciated the EU’s ongoing support for Sri Lanka’s development.

Minister Herath informed Mr. Sikorski that the new government has taken steps to amend legislation in a manner that ensures no discrimination based on religion, ethnicity, or group identity.

Mr. Sikorski, in turn, acknowledged the progress made by the new Sri Lankan government in ensuring political stability, protecting human rights, and promoting equal treatment of all ethnic communities. He expressed the EU’s satisfaction with this progress.

He also stated that the EU, which is Sri Lanka’s second-largest export market, intends to further strengthen trade ties with the country. Furthermore, he confirmed the EU’s readiness to encourage investors to come to Sri Lanka, provide necessary technical assistance, and offer financial support when needed to aid the country’s economic development.

Highlighting Sri Lanka's growing appeal as an attractive travel destination for Polish nationals, Mr. Sikorski noted that over 40,000 Polish tourists visit the island annually. He also informed Minister Herath that Poland is prepared to expand employment opportunities for seasonal workers from Sri Lanka and to increase opportunities for Sri Lankan students.