As we step into the New Year 2026, we do so as a nation that has shouldered the greatest reform programme and reconstruction effort in our modern history.
As we move forward to the New Year of 2026, it is timely to reflect on the year 2025 that has passed. The year 2025 can be granted as a year having made a number of decisive and progressive steps with a people oriented government.I am confident that, within a new political culture, we were able to strengthen transparency in state governance and lay the foundation for an efficient and corruption free public service.
We can be satisfied with the progress achieved in several key areas during 2025, including economic stability, the increasingly positive and optimistic international perception towards our country, the establishment of transparent systems of governance, and the strengthening of the sovereignty of the legislation system. However, the unfortunate disastrous situation we experienced towards the end of 2025 was a challenging period for our nation. While it deeply moved us all, the spirit of solidarity, compassion, and collectivity shown by Sri Lankans during that difficult situation received admiration across the world.
As we step into the New Year 2026, we hold commitment to overcoming those challenges, healing from the disaster, and restoring the lives and livelihoods that were affected.Moving forward with the goals such as initiating qualitative and sustainable transformation in the education sector, digitalizing all sectors of the public service, creating an enabling environment for entrepreneurs, artists, and creators with innovative ideas to rise on the global stage, and building a compassionate, environmentally friendly society free from drugs and harmful substances I would like to remind, at this moment, that the responsibility of rebuilding this nation rests upon the entire nation, together with the government, transcending differences of ethnicity, religion, or political affiliation, and united by a strong Sri Lankan identity.
Transforming all the challenges we experienced in the past year into sources of strength, I invite you to step into 2026 with renewed energy, hope, and determination.
I extend wishes for a victorious New Year filled with peace, happiness, and prosperity.
Dr. Harini Amarasuriya
Prime Minister
Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka
As Sri Lanka enters the New Year 2026, the Ministry reaffirms its commitment to rebuilding the nation through principled global engagement, dignified foreign employment, and a modern, sustainable tourism economy. This is a moment for disciplined reform and renewed confidence.
Sri Lanka’s foreign policy is being advanced with clarity and balance strengthening bilateral and multilateral partnerships, restoring international trust, and positioning the country as a reliable and constructive global partner. Diplomacy today must directly support economic recovery, investment, trade access, and national security.
Foreign employment remains a vital pillar of our economy. In 2026, the Ministry’s priority is to protect Sri Lankan workers abroad, expand safe and legal migration pathways, improve skills recognition, and ensure dignity, welfare, and fair treatment for every Sri Lankan serving overseas. A skilled and protected workforce strengthens both remittances and national credibility.
Tourism is being repositioned toward quality, sustainability, and resilience. Our focus is on environmentally responsible tourism, higher value offerings, regional balance, and global standards that protect communities while enhancing Sri Lanka’s international brand.
Rebuilding Sri Lanka requires institutional strength, clean governance, and active engagement with the world. Guided by the Government’s vision, the Ministry will continue to work with international partners, the private sector, and the Sri Lankan diaspora to secure growth, opportunity, and long-term national stability in 2026 and beyond.
Vijitha Herath
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment & Tourism
Sri Lanka
Theme: “Better together: 80 Years and more for Peace, Development and Human Rights”
Madam President, Mr General Secretary, honoured invitees, distinguished delegates,
General Debate on
A world in turmoil: Parliamentary cooperation and multilateralism for peace, justice and prosperity for all
Dr. Tulia Ackson, President of the IPU,
Distinguished Speakers of Parliament,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is both a privilege and a responsibility to address this Sixth World Conference of Speakers of Parliament at a time when the world is experiencing deep and widespread turmoil. On behalf of the Parliament of Sri Lanka, I extend my sincere appreciation to the Inter-Parliamentary Union and the United Nations for convening this essential dialogue under this timely theme.
In this era marked by conflict, political instability, climate anxiety and economic hardship, the human family faces unprecedented uncertainty. In such a world, the role of Parliaments is more critical than ever before. We serve not only as lawmakers but also as guardians of democratic legitimacy, as advocates for justice, and as instruments of peacebuilding and accountability.
Parliamentary diplomacy and multilateral cooperation are vital tools for rebuilding global trust. Through our bilateral and multilateral engagements, which include Parliamentary friendship groups, Parliamentary networks, study visits and delegations, we have the ability to foster understanding, mediate conflict and advance shared human values. These platforms allow Parliaments to learn from one another, strengthen democratic practices, and collectively address cross-border challenges such as terrorism, pandemics, migration and cyber threats.
Parliament of Sri Lanka has long embraced this spirit of cooperation. We have been a proud member of the Inter-Parliamentary Union since 1949 and of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association since our independence in 1948. We are also a founding member of the Association of SAARC Speakers and Parliamentarians. These partnerships have allowed our Parliamentarians and staff to gain valuable experience and build institutional capacity through training, dialogue and exchange.
Notably, Sri Lanka has hosted several seminars and conferences in collaboration with IPU and CPA, underscoring our commitment to multilateral Parliamentary engagement. With friendship associations established with over 50 countries, the Parliament of Sri Lanka continues to expand its role in regional and global diplomacy. We also actively promote Parliamentary cooperation through international youth exchange and professional development programmes, helping to build the next generation of democratic leaders.
Excellencies,
Parliamentary cooperation is not symbolic, it is strategic. When we act together, we reinforce the foundations of peace, prosperity and justice. Our cooperation strengthens the legitimacy of international norms, amplifies the voices of our citizens and bridges the divides among nations, communities and cultures.
We in Sri Lanka have seen how dialogue and reconciliation, even after a prolonged conflict, can guide a nation forward. Our Parliament is committed to advancing inclusive governance, constitutional reform and peacebuilding through democratic channels.
As we mark the International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace, established by the UN General Assembly, we reaffirm that Parliaments have a decisive role in turning global ambitions into national action. It is our duty to bring the people's voice into international policymaking and to translate international commitments into meaningful local realities.
Madame President,
Let us leave this Conference not only with new perspectives, but with renewed purpose. The world may be in turmoil, but through Parliamentary cooperation and multilateral solidarity, we can help restore stability, justice and dignity for all.
Thank you.
The third meeting of experts on the Migration Partnership between Sri Lanka and Switzerland was held in Bern on 29 July 2025. Sugeeshwara Gunaratna, Director General/Europe & North America at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, and Ambassador Hendrick Krauskopf, Director/International Affairs of the State Secretariat for Migration of the Swiss Federal Department of Justice and Police, co-chaired the meeting.
The meeting reviewed the progress made under the Migration Partnership since its launch in 2016 and discussed the future trajectory of the partnership after the formal handing over of the bilateral Safe Labour Migration Program (SLMP) to the Government of Sri Lanka last year. This programme was funded by Switzerland and underscores the commitment to institutionalizing sustainable frameworks for the protection and welfare of Sri Lankan migrant workers.
The two sides reaffirmed their commitment to promoting safe, orderly, and regular migration and maximizing the benefits of migration for both migrant workers and members of their families in both origin and destination countries. In this regard, discussions focused on pre-departure orientation, migration management, skills development, readmission and reintegration, and combating human trafficking. In particular, further Swiss assistance for the skills development of Sri Lankan migrant workers and strengthening collaboration with the National Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force (NAHTTF) were discussed.
The two sides also exchanged views on current migration trends in both countries and opportunities for Sri Lankan workers through the development and recognition of the domestic skills development framework. The Sri Lanka delegation also comprised representatives of the Sri Lanka Foreign Employment Bureau, the Department of Immigration and Emigration, as well as the Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka to the United Nations in Geneva. The Switzerland delegation comprised representatives of the State Secretariat for Migration, the Federal Office of Police, the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism
Colombo
29 July 2025
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