EU ambassadors called on  President Gotabaya Rajapaksa at the Presidential Secretariat yesterday(18). The discussion were centered on rebuilding the economy post  COVID-19. "The country was able to quickly deploy the public health system to address the health threat caused by the pandemic. The next concern before the country is reviving the economy. The current growth rate is very low and the national debt is high," Rajapaksa said during his discussion with the ambassadors. He also emphasized that Sri Lanka needed new investments instead of further debt. The President expressed his interest in developing domestic industries including the agriculture sector. "Most food items, noted President, can be produced locally. Therefore, he stressed the need for Sri Lanka to modernize this sector." He also spoke of the importance of introducing organic fertilizer, better quality seeds and advanced technologies. President directed the EU delegations’ attention to projects such as renewable energy using solar and wind. He also expressed his interest in focusing on an IT based education system so that the youth are more exposed to new technologies. The number of students currently engaged in online learning platforms has increased. He said the UGC is also amending its act to allow more universities to enter Sri Lanka. The EU delegation responded positively to President Gotabaya and discussed at length a number of ways their respective countries may be able to engage with Sri Lanka in these areas.