Paris: The Netherlands-based Diaspora Organisation, BASUG recently organised a workshop titled, “Leveraging Remittances for the socio-economic development in Sri Lanka” for the Sri Lankan migrants in Paris, France.

The workshop was held at Paris Buddhist vihar complex and it was organised for the Sri Lankan migrants in France. The main objectives of the workshop among others were to enhance formal channel of remittances transfer; equip remittance senders with adequate knowledge and skill on how to identify their financial position, define their financial goals, familiarise them with different financial products including productive investment opportunities in small and medium social enterprises back at home in Sri Lanka..

The workshop is a part of the on-going project of BASUG with its partner organisation in Sri Lanka, SEEDS (Sarvodaya Economic Enterprise Development Services (Guarantee) Ltd and INAFI (International Network of Alternative Financial Institutions) Bangladesh in four European countries (Italy, Germany, France and the Netherlands) and Sri Lanka. The project is being powered by the EC-UN Joint Initiative on Migration and Development.

Chaired by BASUG chairman, Bikash Chowdhury Barua the opening session of the workshop was

addressed by the Minister and Head of Chancery of Sri Lankan embassy in France Ms. Swarna Perera,

Bank of Ceylon representative in France A. Jayadeepan, the visiting Sri lankan Buddhist monk

venerable Padukke Pagnawasa of  Justice of  Peace for All Island Sudhrmarama Temple, Harana, Sri Lanka and

Secretary of BASUG Sudhier Nannan.

Dr. Samuel A. Chairman of ASDA (African Social Development Aid) was the main speaker at the second

session of the workshop. Dr. Ahmed Ziauddin, Director, Projects and advisor of BASUG was the moderator of

the workshop. BASUG France joint coordinator Udayan Barua gave vote of thanks. First Secretary of Sri ankan

embassay in France Ms. Chandima Kiriwandala, BASUG board member from the Netherlands, Mr B. Roy and

 BASUG Italy Country coordinator Raju Ahmed were also present.

Ms. Swarna Perera in her speech in Sinhalese language recalled the existing good relationship between the two

SAARC countries- Bangladesh and Sri Lanka and lauded the initiative of BASUG for organising the workshop with an

aim to create awareness among her community members in France of the need for sending remittances through proper

channel and make better use of the remittance back at home.

BASUG has already organised similar workshops in Italy and will hold another two similar workshops in

the Netherlands and Germany after the summer.