Hon. Vasantha Senanayake, State Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sri Lanka, had a bilateral meeting with H.E. Chrystia Freeland, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada on Monday   (07 August 2017) on the sidelines of the 24^th ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) in Manila and exchanged views on measures to strengthen relations and enhance cooperation between the two countries. 

The Canadian Foreign Minister said it was the first high level interaction she had with Sri Lanka since her appointment in January 2017 and look forward to further constructive engagement on all aspects of the bilateral relationship. 

State Minister Senanayake briefed the Canadian Minister on the political developments and progress on all aspects of the reconciliation process underway in Sri Lanka. He mentioned Sri Lanka's ongoing consideration of acceding to several international instruments. The interactions also delved into areas which could benefit from Canadian development assistance, training, capacity building and support livelihood generation, humanitarian assistance and in this regard, the State Minister requested Canada’s continued support. 

The State Minister also said Sri Lanka is keen on enhancing contribution to the UN Peacekeeping operations and looks forward to the Ministerial Meeting on Peacekeeping to be hosted by Canada in November 2017. 

The meeting took place on the sidelines of the grand celebration of the 50th Anniversary of ASEAN and 24^th ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) at which the State Minister is representing Sri Lanka. Associated with State Minister Senanayake were Hon. Buddhika Pathirana M.P., Sri Lanka; Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the Philippines  Mrs. Aruni Ranaraja, Director General of East Asia and the Pacific Mr. O.L. Ameerajwad, and other senior officials of both countries .

Embassy of Sri Lanka 

Manila 

8 August 2017