In a meeting with Sri Lanka's President Maithripala Sirisena, Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei pointed to the cultural and historical relations between the two countries and the Indian subcontinent, saying that the current level of trade ties between Iran and Sri Lanka is much lower than available capacities. He reiterated, “Asian countries must work and cooperate with each other more than ever, because this cooperation will strengthen them.” 
Ayatollah Khamenei said Iran’s scientific, technological and research advances are favorable grounds for the expansion of cooperation between the two countries, adding, “The Islamic Republic of Iran is ready to enhance friendship and cooperation with your government and country, and in this regard, the memoranda of understanding that were signed today must be earnestly followed upon and implemented.”

In this meeting, also attended by Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, Sirisena conveyed the warm greetings of his government and nation to the Leader of the Revolution, saying, “In today’s negotiations we decided to increase the two countries’ endeavors and cooperation manifold and implement the agreements reached.”
The Sri Lankan president said Iran is one of the most advanced countries in technological, scientific and academic domains and expressed hope that as a result of an increase in cooperation between the two countries Sri Lanka would benefit from Iran’s scientific progress.