Chairperson, Secretary General of Commonwealth,
Fellow Health Ministers,
Higher Officials, Invitees and,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Good Morning!
First of all, let me appreciate the selection of a vital and an important theme for all the countries, as the theme of the 37th Commonwealth Health Ministers’ meeting (CHMM).
Due to the reason that Health is a fundamental human right, in order to secure an equitable future, it is essential that we invest in health. It is important that you prioritize the problems that have considerable impact on health of nations. In this time, non-communicable diseases (NCDs) have become one of the priorities in the world and for the Commonwealth, for which an adequate investment is needed.
Non-communicable diseases are responsible for 74% of deaths worldwide. The scenario in most of the Commonwealth countries are the same. In order to get a good impact, you need to invest in key risk factors leading to NCDs. Therefore, investing in primary and primordial prevention for NCDs, is important to reduce future burden due to NCDs, in the Commonwealth countries.
I also support subject areas such as climate change, Universal Health Coverage and to promote healthy aging. Careful planning with data driven decision making combined with sustainable financing, definitely will lead to health equity.
Recently, Sri Lanka has undergone a severe economic downturn. We think that sustainable financing for an equitable Commonwealth includes Human Resources for Health, as it has significant implication on health financing. We experience a serious brain drain of health professionals compounding burden on the health system. I trust that the health professionals, specially doctors in post graduate training in developed countries, should return to serve their motherland as colossal amounts of resources have been spent on them over the years. Therefore, it is timely that we in the Commonwealth come to a consensus among us in commonwealth.
Let us work along these years theme, accompanied by solid plan of action to make a reality for an equitable Commonwealth.
Thank you!
The Government of Sri Lanka maintains that the allegation of genocide during the final phase of the conflict in Sri Lanka is unsubstantiated by any credible authority, either nationally or internationally, and is based on misleading information. Sri Lanka firmly rejects this false narrative and believes it has been propagated primarily for electoral gains within Canada.
It is worth highlighting that in April 2021, the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade, and Development of Canada officially confirmed that the Government of Canada has not made any finding of genocide in Sri Lanka. Additionally, Canada designated the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) as a terrorist organization in 2006 and reaffirmed this designation in June 2024.
The Government of Sri Lanka has repeatedly expressed its strong objections to the construction of a so-called Tamil Genocide Monument at Chinguacousy Park in Brampton, Canada. It has consistently urged the Federal Government of Canada to intervene and prevent this regrettable initiative by the Brampton City Council.
Sri Lanka views this development as offensive to the broader Sri Lankan and Canadian communities. It strongly believes that the propagation of such unfounded allegations and the construction of monuments based on fabrications not only mislead the public but also hinder Sri Lanka’s genuine efforts toward reconciliation, national unity, and lasting peace among all communities.
In this regard, Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath met with the Canadian High Commissioner today to reiterate the Government of Sri Lanka’s strong objections regarding the unfounded genocide allegations and the approval of constructing such a monument, which complicates and undermines the government’s efforts toward reconciliation and national unity.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism
Colombo
14 May 2025
Sri Lanka’s participation at the hybrid side-event titled "Accelerating the transition from HHPs to biopesticides and agroecological alternatives" - 2 May 2025 held during the Meetings of the Conferences of the Parties to the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions in 2025 was led by Secretary to the Ministry of Environment Mr. K.R. Uduwawala and included officials from the Ministry of Environment, Department of Agriculture and Central Environmental Authority.
Photo Credit: BRS Convention/Kiara Worth
Honorable President, Excellencies, Distinguished Delegates,
Sri Lanka reaffirms its strong commitment to the Basel, Rotterdam, and Stockholm Conventions, recognizing their vital role in supporting our development, addressing climate change under the Paris Agreement, and conserving biodiversity. These Conventions are well integrated into our national policies and action plans, ensuring environmentally sound management of hazardous chemicals and waste.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism in collaboration with the United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR) successfully conducted a two day Seminar on Disarmament for Sri Lanka Foreign Service Officers on 25 and 26 April, 2025 at the Ministry. Over 40 officers based in Colombo attended the workshop physically while over 60 officers attached to Sri Lanka Missions abroad followed the Seminar virtually.
Media Release
UK FCDO Press Release entitled “UK Sanctions for Human Rights Violations and Abuses during the Sri Lankan Civil War”
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment & Tourism takes note of the Press Release dated 24th March 2025, issued by the UK, Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) entitled “UK Sanctions for Human Rights Violations and Abuses during the Sri Lankan Civil War”. As stated in the press release, the UK government has imposed sanctions on four individuals, three of whom are former military commanders of the Sri Lankan armed forces.
It is also noted that the UK FCDO Press Release refers to “a commitment made during the election campaign to ensure those responsible are not allowed impunity”.
In this regard, the Ministry wishes to underline that this is a unilateral action taken by the UK government which involves an asset freeze and travel ban on the individuals concerned. Such unilateral actions by countries do not assist but serve to complicate the national reconciliation process underway in Sri Lanka.
The government is in the process of strengthening domestic mechanisms on accountability and reconciliation and any past human rights violations should be dealt with through domestic accountability mechanisms.
The position of the Government of Sri Lanka was conveyed by Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath to the British High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Andrew Patrick, today at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment & Tourism.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism
Colombo
26 March 2025
- Statement by Her Excellency Himalee Arunatilaka, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka to the United Nations in Geneva at the 58th Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council
- Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism visits CERN
- Statement delivered by Hon. Vijitha Herath, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism on 25 February 2025 during the High Level Segment of the 58th session of the Human Rights Council