Senior Minister Prof. Tissa Witharana was unanimously elected to the Chair of the inaugural Sri Lanka – Vietnam Parliamentary Association meeting held at the Parliamentary Complex today a Parliamentary source said.

Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Minister Dr. Rajitha Senaratna, Senior Minister A. H.M. Fowzie and Parliamentarian Arjuna Ranatunga were elected as vice chairmen.

The secretary of the association elected is Deputy Minister Salinda Dissanayaka and the Treasurer is State Resources and Enterprise Development Minister Daysritha Tissera.

A 15 member committee was also elected, the source said.

He added that the religious, cultural and trade ties between Sri Lanka and Vietnam have a long history and both countries are emerging as robust economies in Asia after fighting and winning against enemies of a different type.

Therefore, it is remarkable that the two countries establish and develop mutual cooperation and friendship that will auger well for Asia’s progress, peace and stability. (SAJ)