Ambassador Samantha Power visits Sri Lanka

23nov2015 amb samanthapower

“I cannot think of a country in the world today where there has been this much change
in this short a period of time.” – Ambassador Samantha Power, Colombo, November 23rd
 
United States Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Samantha Power visited Sri Lanka from November 21st to 23rd. Ambassador Samantha Power is the second cabinet level visitor from the US Administration to travel to Sri Lanka this year, following Secretary of State John Kerry’s visit in May.
 

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Remarks to the Media by Foreign Minister following talks with US Permanent Representative to the UN

 honmfa remarkstomedia 21nov2015
Remarks to the Media by
Hon. Mangala Samaraweera, Minister of Foreign Affairs
following talks with H.E. Ambassador Samantha Powers, Permanent Representative of the USA to the United Nations
Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 21st November 2015
 
Good evening ladies and gentlemen.
 
It has been an honour and a privilege today to welcome Ambassador Samantha Power to this historic Republic building.
 
As all of you know, Ambassador Power is the second member of President Obama’s Cabinet to visit Sri Lanka in the space of a year.
 

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Annual Review of Proscribed Entities under UN Regulation No. 1 of 2012

crest-srilanka

The Government of Sri Lanka proscribed 16 organisations and 424 individuals under Gazette Extraordinary No. 1854/41 on 21 March 2014 using powers under the United Nations Act No. 45 of 1968. The proscription was announced eight days before Western and Southern Provincial Council elections, which were held on 29 March 2014.
 
The initial proscription process was conducted in haste and was not subject to a rigorous process of assessment and verification. Many of the listed organisations had never condoned violence or terrorism. Some of the proscribed individuals were even dead at the time of proscription - including one individual who died 8 years prior to the proscription.
 

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Public Lecture by Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera on 'Politics and Development in Sri Lanka' at the Institute of South Asian Studies in Singapore

hon mfa singapore 16nov2015
 
 
Lecture by Hon. Mangala Samaraweera, MP
Minister of Foreign Affairs of Sri Lanka
on
Politics and Development in Sri Lanka
 
Institute of South Asian Studies, National University of Singapore
12 November 2015
 
It is a pleasure for me to join you here today, to speak on ‘Politics and Development in Sri Lanka’, soon after the official visit just last month to Singapore, by Prime Minister Hon. Ranil Wickremesinghe.

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Sri Lanka elected to the UNESCO Executive Board

unesco ex board sl 2015

Sri Lanka was elected to the Executive Board of the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) on 11 November 2015 during the 38th General Conference in Paris. Sri Lanka was one of six countries that qualified to serve on the Executive Board from the Asia and Pacific Group for the period 2015-2019, having received 149 out of 186 votes at the election in which there were eight candidate countries. The countries which were elected to the Executive Board from the Asia and Pacific Group with Sri Lanka are Malaysia, Viet Nam, Republic of Korea, Pakistan, and Iran (http://www.unesco.org/new/en/general-conference-38th/elections/results-executive-board).

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Deepavali opening hearts for reconciliation - President

deepavali pr sirisena

President Maithripala Sirisena wishing Lankan Hindus a joyful Deepavali has expressed the hope that it will open up the hearts of all individuals with collective yearning for reconciliation as the festival symbolises victory of righteousness over evil.

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Deepavali signifies a moment of light overcoming darkness PM

deepavali pm wickremesinghe


Deepavali renews hope in our hearts towards the engagement of the human spirit in overcoming evil with the goodness that exist among mankind., the Prime Minister said in his Deepavali Message. Also, it symbolizes the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, good over evil, hope over despair, the statement said.

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Struggle Ven. Maduluwave Sobitha Thera did in recent past for a democratic society is unparalleled – President

ven sobitha thera

Ven. Maduluwawe Sobitha Thera, the Chief Incumbent of the Kotte Naga Vihara has passed away on 8 November 2015 while receiving treatment at a hospital in Singapore. He was born on the 29th of May 1942 in Maduluwewa in Padukka, Homagama.

The Sri Lankan government has declared Thursday (12) a Day of National Mourning for the death of the reverend Buddhist leader Ven. Maduluwawe Sobitha Thera.

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Economic Policy Statement made by Prime Minister, Ranil Wickremesinghe in Parliament

hon pm parliament

Following is the full text of the Economic Policy Statement made by Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremasinghe in Parliament on November 5, 2015.

Hon. Speaker,
On the 08th of January, the people of Sri Lanka elected Maithripala Sirisena as the President in pursuit of much needed change. This was confirmed at the Parliamentary Election held in August.

Our final goal is to improve and enhance the living standards of the people; it is the goal for which we have obtained the approval of the people at the election.

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President Sirisena holds Bilateral talks with Thai PM

2nov2015 pr sirisena visit thailand

Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena who is on a four day state visit to Thailand met the Prime Minister of Thailand General Prayut Chan-o-cha at the official residence of the Prime Minister today (Nov.2).The President who arrived at the official residence of the Thailand Prime Minister was warmly welcomed by the Prime Minister Chan-o-cha. The welcome ceremony included a Guard of Honor.

After the welcome ceremony, the two leaders commenced bilateral talks. The discussions focused on the fields of politics and culture of the two countries.

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Finance Minister says Sri Lanka a Future Investment Destination

28oct2015 hon min finance ravik

The Minister of Finance, Mr. Ravi Karunanayake, called on Swiss investors to invest in the future investment destination that is Sri Lanka. He said that since the change of the new government in January 2015, there is a strong national oriented government in place ushering in sustainable political stability for Sri Lanka.
 
Now that the process of political stabilization has taken place, the government is laying emphasis on the economic stabilization of the country. He stated that they have de-politicized the running of the administration through independent commissions appointed to look after the financial system, law and order, human rights etc.
 

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Sri Lanka's US$ 1,500mn Int'l Sovereign Bond Issue over subscribed

central bank

The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL), on behalf of the Government of Sri Lanka (Sri Lanka), successfully raised US$1,500 million 10-year International Sovereign Bonds (Bond) with a coupon of 6.850% per annum at par on October 27, 2015. 
 
This marks Sri Lanka’s ninth US Dollar benchmark as well as the largest offering in the international bond market since 2007, Central Bank said in a Press Release.
 

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Sri Lanka at IORA Ministerial Meeting to Enhance Marine Economic Cooperation

23oct2015 dy fm iora23oct2015 iora group
 
Hon. Dr. Harsha de Silva, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, attended the 15th Meeting of the Council of Ministers of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), which was held in 23rd October in Padang, Indonesia.
 
 
 
The Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) is the only regional organization consisting coastal nations bordering the Indian Ocean and seven dialogue partners consisting of the world’s leading economies.  IORA performs as a regional forum for strengthening economic, socio-cultural and technological cooperation among the member states through mutual cooperation. Maritime Safety & Security, Trade & Investment Facilitation, Fisheries and Aquaculture Management, Academic, Science & Technology Cooperation and Tourism & cultural Exchanges are IORA’s priority areas towards reaching economic prosperity in the region. 
 

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Economic Diplomacy kicks off with inter Agency collaboration

15oct2015 hon dy mfa economicdiplomacy


In line with the government’s policy to enhance the economic development of the country, under the guidance of Hon. Mangala Samaraweera, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is geared to intensify the promotion of trade, investment and all economic endeavors through economic diplomacy.

As a first step in that direction, an inter-agency task force was established and the first meeting was held today (15.10.2015) in the Ministry with relevant Government agencies, Private Sector Institutions including Business Chambers.

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Memorial Speech by Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe at the National Diet of Japan

6oct2015 pm speech parliament japan

  Memorial Speech by Hon. Ranil Wickremesinghe – Prime Minister of Sri Lanka
at the National Diet of Japan 
on 6th October 2015
Sri Lanka – Japan Relations : Future Direction

His Excellency the Speaker, 
His Excellency the Prime Minister,
Distinguished Members of the Diet,
Ladies and Gentlemen.

It is with great pleasure and privilege and respect that I address this august audience. We have been in your country for three days and we leaving back to Sri Lanka tomorrow. My Delegation, including my wife and of course myself, were made to feel more than at home by your unique, sincere and warm hospitality and the courtesies integral and inherent to the peoples of Japan. We were extremely touched by the most cordial and congenial reception extended by the Government of Japan as well.

On this momentous occasion, I wish to take this opportunity to convey our good wishes and sincere appreciation on behalf of President Maithripala Sirisena, the Parliament and the peoples of Sri Lanka, to His Imperial Majesty the Emperor, the Prime Minister, the Government, the National Diet and the peoples of Japan.

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Japan pledges Yen 45 Billion for BIA development

Prime Minister Wikckremesinghe - Japanase PM 6oct2015

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Tuesday pledged ¥45 billion in loans to expand Sri Lanka’s sole international airport.After meeting with Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe at his office in Tokyo, the two leaders agreed to upgrade the bilateral relationship to a comprehensive partnership covering a wide range of areas, including politics, security and economics.
 
“To support its economy, we will further work together with Sri Lanka in three fields: promoting investment, cooperating on a national development plan, and national reconciliation and peace-building” under the enhanced partnership, Abe said.

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Foreign Minister Mangala addresses International Peace Institute

hon mfa


On Tuesday, 29th September 2015, the International Peace Institute (IPI) hosted a high-level event focusing on how to reform and strengthen the international response to conflicts around the world and adopt a holistic vision of sustaining peace. 
 
Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera took part in the event and addressed the IPI. Other speakers were the Foreign Ministers of Sweden, Angola, Sierra Leone and Brazil; the President of the 70th Session of the UN General Assembly and the Assistant Secretary-General for Peacebuilding Support Office. The Address of the Foreign Minister to the Institute is as follows below:-
 

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President Sirisena addresses 70th Session of the UN General Assembly

UNGAPres-SL-30Sept2015
 
Address by H.E. President Maithripala Sirisena
at the 70th Session of the United Nations General Assembly,
New York, 30th September 2015

Mr. President,
Mr. Secretary General,
Excellencies,
Delegates,
Ladies and Gentleman 

Being a long standing member of the United Nations, it is indeed an honour and a pleasure for me to address the United Nations Annual General Assembly as the newly elected President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka. 

Your Excellency Mogens Lykketoft, on behalf of the Government and people of Sri Lanka, please accept my heartfelt congratulations on your election as the President of the 70th Session of the General Assembly. 
 

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Sri Lanka, as a pioneer of eco-sensitive civilization will strive to achieve SDG goals – President

His Excellency Maithripala Sirisena, President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka General Assembly Seventieth session 9th plenary meeting: High-level plenary meeting of the (6th meeting)

President Maithripala Sirisena said Sri Lanka will act with determination as a pioneer of eco-sensitive civilization that is emerging in the 21st century to achieve the Post-2015 Sustainable Development Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals and targets that have been adopted by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
 
Addressing the UNGA Session on Sustainable Development in New York today (September 27), he said sustainable development encapsulates the equilibrium between social and economic development and environmental protection.
 

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UN Human Rights Council Resolution on Sri Lanka: Comments by Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera & Text of Draft Resolution

hon mfa unhcr 2mar2015

Today we have achieved a path-breaking success in the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva at the current 30th Session.

For the last several years, Sri Lanka was repeatedly humiliated by the international community with Resolutions that censured the conduct of our country. Successive resolutions since 2012, adopted by divisive and acrimonious voting, resulted in repeated defeats and isolation for Sri Lanka.

Although the Government at the time claimed victory through a Resolution in the Human Rights Council in May 2009, that was hardly a victory for the people of Sri Lanka, as that effort failed to achieve consensus in the Council. The Resolution, which was adopted by a vote, antagonised a large number of members of the Council, paving the way for the series of Resolutions that followed in 2012, 2013 and 2014 that was an affront to the people of my country and brought disrepute to Sri Lanka.

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Dr. Frank-Walter Steinmeier, Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs of Germany - concludes visit to Sri Lanka

germanfm slfm 23sep2015

German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier who visited Sri Lanka at the invitation of Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera concluded his one day visit to Sri Lanka today, Tuesday 22 September 2015. 

During the visit which was the first official visit by a German Foreign Minister in 11 years, Foreign Minister Steinmeier called on President Maithripala Sirisena at the Presidential Secretariat, had a meeting with Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe at Temple Trees and held official bilateral talks with Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and later the same evening was hosted to dinner. The delegation at the talks included Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Harsha De Silva, Secretary of Foreign Affairs Chitranganee Wagiswara and other senior officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Minister Steinmeier also visited the construction site of the German Technical Training Institute in Kilinochchi. 

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India assures unwavering support to Sri Lanka to deepen human and economic links

pmsl india pm 15sep2015

 

India offered Sri Lanka full support to strengthen connectivity between the two countries to deepen human and economic links that will benefit all sections of the two societies when Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi held talks in New Delhi Tuesday. (15)

Indian PM issuing a statement after the meeting that took place this morning at the Hyderabad House said Sri Lanka's progress is important for the two countries, South Asia and the maritime region.

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Dep. Foreign Minister Dr. Harsha to focus on Economic Diplomacy

hon dy mfa assumed duties 11sep2015

Hon. Dr. Harsha de Silva assumed duties as the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, today, Friday 11th September 2015.

The Deputy Minister was received at the Ministry by the Secretary of the Ministry and other senior officials. A religious ceremony was held at the Ministry prior to his assuming duties.

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Visit of UAE Foreign Minister H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed al-Nayhan to Sri Lanka

Hon Minister Foreign Affairs and Qatar Foreign Minister


The United Arab Emirates’ Foreign Minister, His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed al-Nayhan, visited Sri Lanka on the invitation of the Government of Sri Lanka.

During bilateral consultations the Foreign Ministers explored ways of strengthening trade and investment ties, improving the welfare of Sri Lankan workers in the UAE, and collaborating on issues of regional and international concern.

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End politics of conflict and extend a helping hand to strengthen the politics of consociation – President urges MPs

President at inaugaration of new parliament 2015
President Maithripala Sirisena called on all political parties to end politics of conflict and extend a helping hand to strengthen the politics of consociation initiated by the government. Pointing out that one major national party ruled the country for 35 years and the other main party ruled for 32 years, he urged all the Members of Parliament representing different political parties to cooperate with the government’s determined initiative to usher in a new political culture of consociation.
 
President Sirisena made this declaration at the opening session of the 8th Parliament of Sri Lanka today (September 1). He said that the post conflict era is the most suitable time for Sri Lanka to work as a joint force to face all the internal and international challenges. He emphasized that the launching of this new culture of unity under a national government would be immensely helpful to build reconciliation between the communities and speed up socio economic progress to achieve human development targets set for 2020 and beyond.
 

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Remarks by Hon. Mangala Samaraweera, Minister of Foreign Affairs to the Diplomatic Corps based in Colombo, 28 August 2015

Your Excellencies,

It is my pleasure, this evening, to welcome all of you today to the Republic building, having been sworn in early this week as the Minister of Foreign Affairs. At the moment Sri Lanka has the dubious honour of having the smallest Cabinet in the world, having had the largest in the world last year. At the moment we have a Cabinet of five, but the Government will be in place by Wednesday.

In fact I recall vividly Your Excellencies, the last time I met all of you together as a group, I believe it was on the 12th of May; one of the questions directed at me was, by one of you here was when were Parliamentary Elections likely to be held. My reply at the time was that ‘only God and the President know the answer to that question’.

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