Ankara: Sri Lanka's newly appointed ambassador to Trkiye, Niluka Kadurugamuwa, emphasized the strong bilateral relations between the two nations and called for continued cooperation as Sri Lanka recovers from recent catastrophic floods and landslides. These natural disasters resulted in hundreds of deaths and displaced tens of thousands.
According to Anadolu Agency, Kadurugamuwa detailed the impact of cyclone Ditwah, which struck in November, affecting approximately 1.7 million people, with 643 confirmed deaths. Currently, 70,000 to 75,000 individuals remain sheltered in around 700 safe locations across the country. The ambassador noted that search and rescue operations have concluded, with efforts now focused on clearing debris and reconstruction.
The Sri Lankan government has allocated additional resources for recovery. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake announced several facilities and grants to aid in rebuilding homes destroyed by the disaster, which Kadurugamuwa described as the most significant natural catastrophe since the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami.
Emphasizing the longstanding friendly relations with Trkiye, Kadurugamuwa recounted that diplomatic ties were formally established in 1948. However, connections date back to the Ottoman period, with Sri Lanka being part of the Maritime Silk Route and Trkiye part of the Silk Road. This historical relationship included the appointment of honorary consuls by the Ottoman Empire in Sri Lanka as early as 1874. Trkiye was notably one of the first countries to recognize Sri Lanka's independence. Diplomatic missions were established with Sri Lanka's embassy in Ankara opening in 2012 and Trkiye's mission in Colombo following in 2013.
Kadurugamuwa highlighted the breadth of cooperation spanning politics, economy, culture, and education, with Sri Lankan students benefiting from Turkish government scholarships. He mentioned that the third meeting of the Joint Economic Cooperation Commission took place last July, focusing on enhancing economic ties.
Trkiye's support during disasters was also acknowledged, particularly its efforts after the 2004 tsunami when it rebuilt an entire village in Sri Lanka. The village, comprising about 430 houses, was inaugurated in 2005 by then-Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
Regarding the recent cyclone, Kadurugamuwa shared that Sri Lanka has sought international aid, including from Trkiye. The Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA), under the Turkish Foreign Ministry's coordination, dispatched a team for assessments and distributed humanitarian aid packages to 3,000 people. Long-term support options are being explored.
Kadurugamuwa expressed gratitude for the ongoing support and encouraged Turkish citizens to visit Sri Lanka, inviting Turkish businesses to invest, as the country's tourism infrastructure remains operational and conditions are conducive for investment.