Sri Lanka High Commission in Ottawa

Address By His Excellency the Prime Minister

of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka

Hon. Ranil Wickremesinghe

to the United Nations Conference to Support the Implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 14: Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for Sustainable Development

United Nations, New York - 5^th June 2017 

Madame President - Mr. Secretary General

Allow me to express my appreciation to those who have been responsible for organizing this conference – notably Mr. Peter Thomson - President of the General Assembly, the Governments of Fiji and Sweden - co-hosts of the Conference, the Permanent Representatives of Portugal and Singapore - facilitators of preparatory meetings and to the Secretary General of the Conference.

Read more: Address by Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe to UN Conference to Support the Implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 14

Foreign Minister Ravi Karunanayake on his first visit overseas as Minister of Foreign Affairs, called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and held discussions with External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj yesterday, 6 June 2017. He will have discussions today with Foreign Secretary S. Jaishankar and others before returning to Colombo tonight. 

Read more: Foreign Minister Ravi Karunanayake visits India

On the direction of H.E. the President Maithripala Sirisena and Hon. Prime Minister, Ranil Wickremesinghe, Hon. Minister Karunanayake directed the Foreign Ministry to respond to the emergency needs of the flood victims in coordination with the Ministry of Disaster Management.  The Ministry Emergency Response Unit, activated on 26^th May 2017, to coordinate international Search and Rescue and Disaster Relief measures, launched an appeal to the INSARG (International Search and Rescue Group) through the UN. The Foreign Ministry also appealed to countries in the region to obtain the services of Emergency Rescue Teams.

Read more: Foreign Minister Karunanayake briefs Diplomatic Corps

The Urban Development Authority (UDA) under the Ministry of Megapolis and Western Development issued a Bid Notice  to identify able investors to setup "Green Way Trail"  a green amusement park in Diyatha Uyana area in Battaramulla, Sri Lanka.

Please view the attached brochures for further information.

Please click to view the  Documents in  English  and  Tamil.

Click here .......

Latest update on flood situation in Sri Lanka - Click here....  02/06/2017

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has activated the Emergency Response Unit of the Ministry, to coordinate rescue and relief measures related to the flood situation in several parts of Sri Lanka. In this regard, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in coordination with the Ministry of Disaster Management, has made an appeal to UN, International Search and Rescue Advisory Group (INSARAG) and neighboring countries to provide assistance to affected people, especially in the areas of search and rescue operations. 

The Ministry will continue to monitor the flood situation and seek assistance as required in consultation with the Ministry of Disaster Management. 

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Colombo 

26 May 2017

Having received his appointment from President Maithripala Sirisena on Monday 22 May 2017, as the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ravi Karunanayake assumed duties  ​at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs yesterday morning, Thursday, 25 May 2017. 

Read more: Minister Ravi Karunanayake assumes duties at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs