Sri Lankan High Commissioner to Bangladesh Dharmapala Weerakkody met today with State Minister Shama Obaed Islam at the Foreign Ministry. Photo: MoFA

DHAKA, April 28, 2026 (BSS) - State Minister Shama Obaed Islam today reaffirmed the government's commitment to revitalising SAARC for the benefit of the peoples of the region. 

She made the comment when Sri Lankan High Commissioner Dharmapala Weerakkody paid a courtesy call on her at the foreign ministry here, said a ministry's press release. 

During the meeting, the two sides reviewed various aspects of ongoing bilateral cooperation and issues of mutual interest.

They stressed the need to strengthen and expand cooperation in trade, health, education, tourism, connectivity, culture and sports to unlock the significant untapped potential between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.

The state minister highlighted Bangladesh's export strengths in sectors such as jute, pharmaceuticals, leather goods and information technology.

She also said the government places high priority on fostering constructive relations with neighbouring countries.