The depth of the longstanding relationship between Sri Lanka and Germany lies in the people to people contacts developed over half a century through German assistance straddling a wide spectrum of our national life, Minister of External Affairs Prof. G. L. Peiris said.

External Affairs Minister Prof. Peiris who was the Chief Guest at the launching of the website "Germany Helping Hands" by the German Ambassador to Sri Lanka last week said contact between the governments of Sri Lanka and Germany has been of crucial importance

The hallmark of this relationship has been the priority which German authorities over the years has accorded to Sri Lanka’s requirements, as spelt out by the relevant Ministries and other agencies of the Government of Sri Lanka, Prof. Peiris said.

The website provides information on 454 German assisted projects in all parts of Sri Lanka over a period of 50 years, to the value of over 75 billion Sri Lankan rupees. These projects include both German government funded projects through the GIZ, as well as projects implemented through private funds from German friends of Sri Lanka such as the pediatric intensive care unit in Galle.

Welcoming the initiative, the Minister said the website was a convenient device to bring to the attention of Sri Lankan public the range of projects funded through Germany.

Minister Peiris highlighted the unique significance of the Sri Lanka German relationship which is not confined to government to government relations, and is demonstrated through the projects highlighted in the website on German development cooperation with private public partnership. He added that the projects, spread over all parts of the country, was remarkable, particularly when Sri Lanka was trying to get back on track after a protracted conflict.

Noting that Germany was an important economic partner for Sri Lanka, the Minister said that German help has enhanced the calibre of Sri Lanka’s human potential which is our abiding strength.

As examples, Prof. Peiris cited the focus on training and skills development as illustrated by the work of well known institutions like the German Technical Institute in Moratuwa. The Minister also referred to micro-credit schemes supported by the Government of Germany and water projects in several parts of the country, including Galle.