Sajith highlights productivity‑based growth in talks with German MPs

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa held talks yesterday with a delegation from the South Asian Parliamentary Group of the German Bundestag at his office, focusing on strengthening parliamentary relations and building forward‑looking partnerships between Sri Lanka and Germany.

Discussions centered on expanding cooperation in investment, technology, skills, knowledge, and innovation, with Premadasa stressing the importance of Sri Lanka pursuing productivity‑based economic growth. 

He highlighted the need to develop technical and vocational skills, renewable energy, climate resilience, sustainable development, and to make more effective use of Sri Lanka’s strategic location in the Indian Ocean.

Both sides exchanged views on opportunities for green transformation, maritime and blue economy development, and enhancing parliamentary dialogue. 

Premadasa emphasized that Sri Lanka should focus on partnerships that generate production capacity, employment opportunities, technology transfer, and long‑term economic value, while safeguarding the country’s natural heritage and strengthening national resilience.

The meeting was described as friendly and productive, with both delegations expressing interest in maintaining uninterrupted parliamentary relations. The German delegation included Nicklas Kappe (Head of Delegation and MP), Gerold Otten (MP), Johann Saath (Office MP), Ulle Schauws (Secretary of the delegation), and Katerina Bienert.

Representing the Samagi Jana Balawegaya were MPs Kabir Hashim, Kavinda Jayawardena, Chamindrani Kiriella, along with former MP Buddhika Pathirana, Kusum Wijetilaka, Professors Kennedy Gunawardana and Mahim Mendis, Talal Rafi, Dilum Alagiyawanna, Charana Kanankegamage, and Mahesh Senanayake