Malaysian Prime Minister praises Sri Lanka

Colombo (News1st): President Maithripala Sirisena who is in New York for the 73rd United Nations General Assembly has discussed a number of key matter with world leaders on the sidelines of the General Assembly. Malaysian Prime Minister Dr. Mahathir Mohamed had praised Sri Lanka's steady progress and assured continued cooperation. He said Malaysia would increase assistance to megapolis programmes for construction of high-rise apartments for settling urban slum dwellers He further had praised Sri Lanka's friendly affection for Malaysia under the leadership of President Maithripala Sirisena. President Sirisena also met with the Director General of International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), Shenggen Fan where they discussed the problem of food crop destruction by animals and the need to propagate healthy food habits among the people. The Director-General said IFPRI would be happy to suggest programmes to solve these issues. It was revealed at the discussion that around 40%  of the total fruit and vegetable crops in Sri Lanka are destroyed by Wild Animals. Sri Lanka also signed agreements with the United Nations Development Fund on the Sidelines of the ongoing 73rd United Nations General Assembly in New York. The purpose of these agreements are to develop the fields which are directly linked with the social development of the country. Accordingly, agreements were signed to establish a Social Impact Fund and a Social Enterprise Fund. It is expected to get the assistance of the private sector for the projects implemented by the United Nations Development Fund in Sri Lanka. The Minister of Foreign Affairs Tilak Marapana signed the agreements on behalf of Sri Lanka.