State Minister Aluwihare also met with the Korean Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Hon. Lee Dong-Phil; the Korean Minister of Interior Hon. Chong Jong-Sup; President of the Saemaul Undong Centre Dr. Shim Yoon-Chong, and Vice President of KOICA Dr. Kim In, on the sidelines of the GSLF, and discussed issues of mutual interest.The State Minster briefed his Korean interlocutors on the policy of the new Government, with a specific focus on rural development, poverty alleviation and achieving food security.

The Sri Lanka delegation also discussed the implementation of the SMU progamme in two model villages in Sri Lanka, as well as its expansion, and specific action being taken to integrate SMU principles to revitalize the rural economy and connect to markets.  They informed that while SMU is a village reawakening movement based on the principles of diligence, self-help and cooperation, it finds deep resonance in Sri Lanka. They expressed particular interest in the ‘Smart SMU Strategy’ proposed by KOICA using appropriate technology and integration in value chains as a means of future cooperation on SMU.

During his visit, the State Minister also represented the Government of Sri Lanka at the State Funeral of the former President of the Republic of Korea the late Kim Young-sam, held in Seoul on 26 November.

The State Minister’s visit was supported by the Korean Ministry of Interior and the Rural Development Administration (RDA).  Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to the Republic of Korea Manisha Gunasekera; Advisor, Ministry of Primary Industries Aruna Kulatunga; Additional Secretary, Ministry of Primary Industries Bandula Wickramarachchi, and Additional Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture J.A.D.H. Wijewardena were associated with the visit.