The request came when Sri Lankan Parliament Speaker WJM Lokubandra met with him at Bangabhaban.

During the meeting, Iajuddin also called upon the Sri Lankan government to import melamine, ceramics, jute goods, leather goods and pharmaceutical products from Bangladesh at competitive price.

He said establishment of Dhaka-Colombo air link is an important step for improving trade link as well as increased people-to-people contact between the two countries.

Lokubandara said there will be Saarc Speakers' Conference in Colombo at the end of next month.

Meanwhile, appreciating the initiative to hold Saarc Speakers' Conference, Prime Minister Khaleda Zia yesterday emphasised close contacts of lawmakers of this region to exchange views and experiences.

Khaleda, also current Saarc chairperson, made the remarks when Lokubandara met her at the PM's office.

Resumption of Dhaka-Colombo direct air-link to increase trade and flourish tourism sector and import of high quality medicines at reasonable prices from Bangladesh by Sri Lanka also came up for discussion at the meeting.

A trade of fair of Sri Lanka will be held in Dhaka in March.

The Sri Lankan Speaker arrived in Dhaka to discuss matters relating to the Saarc Speakers' Conference to be held in Colombo next month.

Khaleda wished an all-out success of the Speakers' conference.

Lokubandara thanked Khaleda for Bangladesh's quick and huge support to help Tsunami victims in Sri Lanka under her personal initiative.

He also thanked her for successfully hosting the 13th Saarc Summit in Dhaka and congratulated her on her election as its chairperson.

Sri Lankan High Commissioner Gamini S Munasinghe was also present.