Sri Lanka and Australia have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Scientific and Technical Cooperation to boost collaboration.
Mr. W.M.A.S. Iddawela, Chairman, Geological Survey and Mines Bureau of Sri Lanka(GSMB) and Dr. James Johnson, Chief Executive Officer, Geoscience Australia(GA) signed the MoU at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Australia on Tuesday, said statement by High Commission of Sri Lanka.
The MoU will be in effect for a period of five years with a further extension period of three years and will cover Geoscientific investigations; Research work on on-shore and off-shore mineral occurrences; Geothermal energy potential; Geospatial analysis; Professional training and capacity building; Adoption of latest technology and sharing the technology for value addition of minerals; Exchanging scientific and technical information, study visits and scientists; Collaboration on individual research activities; Participation in training courses and jointly organizing geoscience related conferences; Exchanging professional geoscientists in areas of mutual interest; and Gaining geoscientific knowledge of the currently active geoscientific projects of both parties.
After signing the MoU, both sides discussed areas of mutual interest for future cooperation.
Making the opening remarks Mr. Ian Biggs, Assistant Secretary said the MoU would help to strengthen the cooperation between GSMB and GA and explore opportunities and tangible activities with concrete outcome.
While addressing the gathering, High Commissioner Weliamuna stated that signing of the MoU would open new areas of trade and investment opportunities for both countries.
Dr. James Johnson, Chief Executive Officer (GA), said that Geoscience Australia is looking forward to strengthening its relations with GSMB in pursuing scientific and technical cooperation in Earth Sciences.
Mr. W.M.A.S. Iddawela, Chairman (GSMB), thanked all the Sri Lankan and Australian agencies for their contribution towards signing this MoU and he invited an Australian delegation from GA to visit Sri Lanka to continue further engagement between the two countries.
