At the occasion speaking further, he said that the Government led by His Excellency the President, Gotabhaya Rajapakshe is making every endeavor to strengthen the friendship with friendly, neighboring and international countries in order to boost the economy of Sri Lanka.

Hon. Douglas Devananda participated as the Chief Guest of Honor at the ceremony held at the High commissioner’s Office to celebrate Myanmar’s 72 nd Independence Day on the 12 th February 2020. Speaking further at the occasion Hon. Minister said that the Cultural, Religious and Commercial ties between Sri Lanka and Myanmar extend as far back as 1949 and will continue to do so in years to come. “It’s a pleasure to participate at this spectacular occasion on behalf of my country and speak a few words to friendly people of Myanmar.” added the Hon. Minister.
It was a new beginning for exchange of Architectural Projects between Sri Lanka and Myanmar  for emergence of Sri Lanka - Myanmar Parliamentary Friendship Forum. As a result, Commercial and Sampath Banks established their branches in Myanmar along with a branch of LOLC Finance Company. Because of this reason the tourist and commercial activities between the two countries have taken an upward trend, he said. He also said many Myanmar students are receiving higher education in Sri Lankan educational institutions, similarly, many Sri Lankan students too are being educated in Myanmar paving the way for exchange of ideas among the learned. Under the circumstances it is necessary that the two countries work hand in  hand to promote each other internationally to bring in positive results.