TNAG-1635-FCO40-2251-Overseas-visits-by-Sir-Geoffrey-Howe--Secretary-of-State-for-1988 — Page 6

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SECRETARY OF STATE'S SPEECH IN SRI LANKA

Colonial heritage and Sri Lanka's 40th anniversary of independence (in February 1988). Wider Commonwealth links.

Reciprocal visits by Sri Lankan and British ministers (the Prime Minister in 1985; the Sri Lankan Prime Minister's visit to Britain in 1987; and if it takes place President Jayewardene's visit in

1988).

―

- UK aid and technical cooperation

with reference to large

projects such as the Victoria Dam and Samanalawewa, and to the work carried out by British

Tribute to founders of the Colombo Plan

(including President Jayewardene).

Commercial links, especially tea - assistance from Scotland Yard following assassination attempt on President Jayewardene donation of corneal tissue from Sri Lanka to UK transplant service in 1987

established link.

International Year of Shelter for the Homeless (involvement of

Prime Minister, Mr Premadasa)

- British Council activities

English language teaching English,

along with Sinhala and Tamil, official language of Sri Lanka.

-

Sri Lankan support for Britain at UNGA on Falklands (and President

British support Jayewardene's personal involvement in this issue)

-

for Indo-Sri Lanka Peace Agreement congratulations to President Jayewardene for the courageous step he took with Rajiv Gandhi in signing the peace accord - full backing for the Sri Lankan

Government on this issue from Britain

hopes for peaceful future.