President Sirisena begins state visit to South Korea

The signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Sri Lanka and South Korea on an Employment Permit System (EPS) to provide more job opportunities will be among the highlights of President Maithripala Sirisena’s three-day state visit to the South Korean capital of Seoul which begins today.

The agreement, which comes into effect next year, will benefit people seeking employment in South Korea where some 30,000 Lankans are already employed.

The EPS will provide greater benefits to workers. Agreements on economic cooperation, the Economic Development Cooperation Fund (EDCF) and cultural cooperation are among those slated to be inked during the President’s visit.

President Sirisena arrives in Seoul today upon an invitation extended to him by South Korean President Moon Jae-in.

The visit takes place in conjunction with the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Sri Lanka and South Korea.

The President will visit the Cheong Wa Dae or the Blue House, the official residence of President Moon, on Wednesday where he will be ceremoniously received with a Guard of Honour and a 21-gun salute.

The two leaders will discuss matters of mutual interest to strengthen cooperation between the two countries, following which there will be bilateral meetings involving visiting Sri Lankan ministers and their South Korean counterparts.

President Sirisena this evening will visit the Jogyesa Temple, an ancient Korean Buddhist shrine, and on Wednesday morning pay his respects at the Memorial Tower to commemorate soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the country.

The President will also meet members of the Sri Lankan community this evening.

In addition, President Sirisena is scheduled to attend a business forum and speak with four major Korean business associations, all potential investors. Sirisena is due to end his official visit on Thursday evening.