With the post conflict process now underway in Sri Lanka, Australian Foreign Minister Stephen Smith agreed to consider providing more assistance to Sri Lanka for the ongoing resettlement and reconstruction programmes when he met Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama yesterday (25th November 2009) in Port of Spain, Trinidad & Tobago. Australian Foreign Minister during the meeting stated that he welcomed the early resettlement of the IDP from the welfare villages and recent announcement regarding the freedom of movement of those remaining IDP in the welfare villages. Australian Minister recalled his recent visit to Sri Lanka, which he said had afforded him an opportunity to experience at first hand the positive development in the post conflict phase.
Minister Smith thanked the Government of Sri Lanka for the support in taking steps to minimize illegal migration from Sri Lanka to Australia.
Welcoming the sentiments expressed Minister Bogollagama referred to the excellent bilateral relations between Sri Lanka and Australia and expressed confidence that this relationship will further enhance in the years to come.
During his meeting with the Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs Lawrence Cannon Minister Bogollagama exchanged views on the assistance required with regard to reconstruction in the post conflict phase in Sri Lanka.
Minister Bogollagama recalled with appreciation the Canadian Ministerial visits during this year which he said have contributed to bringing about greater understanding on the requirements for the resettlement on the IDPs.
Minister Cannon referred to the large Sri Lankan Diaspora in Canada and observed that they play an important role in Canadian political, economic, social and cultural spheres. The two ministers were also of the view that it is imperative to continue the consistent engagement.
Minister Bogollagama’s discussions with the two counterparts also centered on regional and international issues of mutual concern.
Foreign Minister Bogollagama who is currently in Port of Spain, attending the pre-Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) is in the process of meeting his counterparts from the countries from commonwealth to apprise them of the post conflict situation in Sri Lanka.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Colombo
26 November 2009