The Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka joined hands with the Permanent Mission of Thailand in organizing the celebration of the International Day of Vesak at the Palais des Nations, where the UN Office is located in Geneva, on 14 May 2025, in collaboration with the International Buddhist Foundation in Geneva. This year marks the third such observance jointly organized by Sri Lanka and Thailand. Ms. Tatiana Valovaya, Director General of the UN Office in Geneva graced the occasion as the Chief Guest.
The significant role played by Sri Lanka under the leadership of then Foreign Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar, in gaining international recognition for the Day of Vesak in 1999 was highlighted by Ambassador Himalee Arunatilaka, Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka, in her welcome remarks.
A draft resolution titled ‘International recognition of the Day of Vesak at United Nations Headquarters and other United Nations offices’ was tabled by late Minister Kadirgamar at the United Nations General Assembly on behalf of 10 countries namely; Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Laos, Maldives, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand. The resolution was co-sponsored by a cross regional group of 34 countries while acknowledging the significance of the teaching and practice of Buddhism and its continued contribution to spirituality and humanity for over two and a half millennia.
The Co-host of the event, Ambassador Usana Berananda, Permanent Representative of Thailand, and Chief Guest, Director General Valovaya, also delivered remarks on the occasion.
Venerable Phramaha Bhatsakorn Piyobhaso, Vice Chairman of the Council of Thai Buddhist Monks of the United Kingdom and Ireland addressed the gathering focusing on ‘Buddhism and Environment’ and conveyed the message of the Buddha to live in harmony with all living beings. Venerable Phra Sander Khemadhammo from Dhammakaya Temple in the Netherlands and representative of the Union of Thai Sangha in Europe in his address highlighted the historical links between Sri Lanka and Thailand deeply rooted in Theravada Buddhism.
Special messages were also delivered by the Ambassadors of Bhutan, India, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, Vietnam and representatives of China, Singapore, Republic of Korea and Japan on the occasion.
Among the nearly 300 guests that participated were the Ambassadors and Permanent Representatives of Bangladesh, Brunei Darussalam, El Salvador, Kazakhstan, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Panama, Spain, Uganda and representatives from Pakistan, Mozambique, France, Portugal, Andorra, UK, Lebanon and many others. Sri Lankan and Thai Buddhist communities living in Switzerland also participated.
The formal programme was followed by a short religious part that included a guided meditation conducted by the Members of the Maha Sangha and chanting of the Karaniya Metta Sutta invoking blessings on all. The event concluded with Sri Lankan and Thai refreshments.
Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka to the UN in Geneva
14 May 2025
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