June 09, Colombo: The Ambassador of France in Sri Lanka H. E. Jean-François Pactet made a call on the State Minister of Defense Premitha Bandara Tennakoon at his office in Colombo, Thursday (Jun 08).

State Minister Tennakoon extending a warm reception to Ambassador Pactet had a cordial discussion with him.

Recalling the long standing diplomatic ties between France and Sri Lanka since 1948 the State Minister said that excellent bilateral relations has stood the test of times for 75 years and that it should continue for many more years.

The discussion also cantered around studying the possibility of establishing a maritime training school in Sri Lanka which would be beneficial to both countries as Sri Lanka has one of the highest literacy rates in the world.

The French Ambassador was accompanied by the Deputy Head of Mission Aurélien Maillet and Military Technical Cooperation Officer in Charge of Maritime Security, Commander Jean-Baptiste Trouche.

Military Liaison Officer of the Ministry of Defense, Brigadier Dammika Welagedara was also present at the occasion.