Sept 07, Colombo: In view of the growing economic and political relationship with Sri Lanka, the government of Spain has decided to open a mission in Colombo, Sri Lanka’s External affairs Ministry said Saturday.
Minister of External Affairs, Professor G.L. Peiris, who held bilateral discussions with the visiting Minister of Foreign Affairs and Co-operation of Spain José Manuel Gracia, said the growing strength of the bilateral relationship between the two countries is indicated by the decision of the Spanish Cabinet to establish a mission in Colombo.
In response to a request made by Minister Peiris, Spain’s Foreign Minister has agreed to assist the expansion of Sri Lanka’s trade relations, especially in the field of cinnamon and other spices trade, with countries in Latin America with which Spain enjoys strong ties.
Prof. Peiris briefed the Spanish Minister comprehensively regarding current developments in Sri Lanka.
He thanked the Government of Spain for their contribution of 400,000 Euro for flood victims of Sri Lanka and for Spanish assistance for the Veyangoda Railway Crossing Flyover Project and the Greater Ratnapura Water Supply Scheme Project.
The Ministers discussed practical modalities for increasing the volumes of trade between the two countries, further assistance from Spain through the newly established Fund for Social Development Co-operation, the promotion of Sri Lanka as a prime tourist destination in Spain, joint venture partnerships in tourism infrastructure development and, in particular, the approach by the Spanish airline Iberia to commence regular airline services between Colombo and Madrid.
Ceylon Report - English 
As the most senior SL Legal Resident in SPAIN for 50 yrs, l am delighted with the news of SPAIN, OPENING an EMBASSY in SL. For the Leadership l offered for decades in the move, all alone, l trust that my sacrifices in Promoting SPAIN & SL in an Honorary capacity, will be recognized, ASAP, by both countries. l am the de facto CONSULTANT.
Prof. DR D P DE SILVA
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