Korean ambassador in Sri Lanka Lin Jae-hong on Monday said that Sri Lanka should conquer all obstacles, no matter how difficult they are and achieve lasting peace in the country. He expressed confidence that Sri Lankan’s can achieve Peace. The recipe for achieving this goal is dynamism and they should work towards this achieving this goal he added.

Sri Lanka has an abundance of talent and they should do well in various fields. I want them to succeed in all their endeavours he stressed adding that Koreans have achieved what they are today through dynamism.

Asked whether Korea would support the candidature of Sri Lanka ’s nominee to the post of UN Secretary General the ambassador said Korea is fielding its own candidate. However he said that we must tell the world that Asia has lots of competent people to handle the job and the world can choose among the Asian candidates for the top post.

Ambassador hong was addressing a news conference to brief the media on the forthcoming "Korea days" the comprehensive Korean Cultural Festival.

"Bilateral relations between Korea and Sri Lanka have improved tremendously over the last few years" and we have cemented the bond of friendship that existed between the two countries with more interaction and we express our solidarity with the people of Sri Lanka he said. Korea and Sri Lanka established diplomatic ties in 1977 and enjoyed strong ties and cooperation in various fields he noted.

Around 10,000 Sri Lankans are today working in Korea and the Korean government is making efforts to further increase the job quota this year by another 9,000. Only 5,500 workers found employed in Korea last year explained the ambassador assuring that the Korean government will continue to improve relations with Sri Lanka government in the field of labour.

"As a result of efforts made by President Mahinda Rajapakse when he was Labour Minister many Sri Lankans have had the opportunity of seeking employment in Korera" he noted.

Ambassador hong said "Koren Days" cultural festival scheduled for 16 – 17 June at the BMICH will provide an opportunity for Sri Lankans to learn about the Korean culture, Economy.food, muisic, dance, films, art etc.

The ambassador invited all those who have already worked in Korea to visit the exhibition and relive the nostalgic memories of life in Korera and those who are aspiring to seek employment in Korea to learn many things about Korea at the "Korea Days" festival. -IOL-By Harischandra Gunaratna