Apr 10, Colombo: Sri Lanka President Mahinda Rajapaksa who is on a state visit to Libya met the Libyan leader Colonel Muammar Gaddafi in Serte, Libya yesterday and held cordial discussions to strengthen the bilateral relations between the two countries.

In response to President Rajapaksa mentioning the impact of the global economic fallout on the tea industry in Sri Lanka, the Libyan leader has agreed to provide more opportunities for the supply of Sri Lankan tea to Libya. Colonel Gaddafi has also agreed to explore possibilities to provide employment opportunities for 100,000 Sri Lankans in Libya. Following the discussions, the Libyan leader hosted a banquet to honor the Sri Lankan President.

The President also had a moment to enjoy with the Libyan Children at Serte and to place a wreath at the memorial statue for martyrs of Al Hani War in Serte.

President and his delegation including Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama met the Libyan business community in Tripoli and signed several bilateral agreements.

Picture by Sudath Silva