The European Union said Friday that European countries were amazed at the rapid progress made by Sri Lanka under the new government during a very short period.

The EU extended its fullest support towards the government's plans for reconciliation, economic development and social progress, EU's new Ambassador to Sri Lanka Tung-Laï Margue said while presenting his credentials to President Maithripala Sirisena.

Sirisena expressed confidence that the new EU envoy would strive to further strengthen friendship and cooperation between the EU and Sri Lanka in many areas, including strengthening of democracy, reconciliation, trade and investment.

Sirisena also recalled the close economic cooperation between Sri Lanka and European Union and thanked EU for lifting the fish import ban.

"Now we are in a position to send more and more fish to Europe," he said.

Sirisena expressed hope that the EU would restore the GSP Plus concession to Sri Lanka so that the country could increase exports of goods, especially garments, as the garment industry was very important to the Sri Lankan economy.