He said Sri Lanka remained a vital conduit in the South Asian region security apparatus and both countries had the potential in increasing our security and defence cooperation bilaterally.

The Ambassador expressed these views during a cordial discussion held with Defence Secretary Maj. Gen. (Retd) Kamal Gunaratne at the Ministry, yesterday (17).

“Sri Lanka and Afghanistan have a lot to share and we could cooperate in a multitude of sectors. There is a real potential in enhancing cultural relationship and tourism between the two nations”, he said.

Meanwhile, taking a note on the matters discussed, the Defence Secretary Maj. Gen. Gunaratne highlighted the possibility of bilateral cooperation, covering security and Defence, business and investments and in building institutional capacities and deepening existing ties.

Further discussions were held in combating the security challenges prompted by the surge of extremism and non –traditional security threats in the region.