The Lithuanian Ambassador to Sri Lanka Laimonas Talat-Kelpša said that there were numerous opportunities for growth of trade and other links between Sri Lanka and Lithuania.

He made this observation at a discussion following the official launch of the website of the Lithuanian Consulate in Sri Lanka.

He stated that the trade volume is at 6 million Euro but it was expanding. He pointed out that the trade between Lithuania and India improved dramatically during the last four years and a similar development is likely in the trade between Sri Lanka and Lithuania.

The Ambassador pointed out that Lithuania, with a small population of 2.9 million, is a small market. Therefore it is focused on exports. The country is capable of sharing technical knowledge in many aspects such as energy, space technology, aviation and other technologies, he added.

Talat-Kelpša stressed the education sector as another area where Sri Lankans can benefit. Currently around ten students from Sri Lanka enroll in Lithuanian universities for their studies. However, this can also expand as in the case of India, the Ambassador said. He added that only 53 Indian students enrolled in Lithuanian Universities four years back. However, 761 Indian students entered Lithuanian universities last year, he pointed out.

Talat-Kelpša presented his credentials to President Maithripala Sirisena earlier in the day. The Embassy is based in New Delhi.

The web site of the consulate can be reached from here: http://www.lithuanianconsulate.lk/en/

Picture: The official launch of the web page of the Lithuanian Consulate in Colombo. (Left to right) Thilina Galappatti - Project Coordinator, Justinas Bakunas - Deputy Head of Mission, Kanchana Kodituwakku - Director Public Relations and Communication, R.M. Manivannan - Honorary Consul, His Excellency Laimonas Talat-Kelpsa - Ambassador