Sri Lanka High Commission in Ottawa

Sri Lanka condemns in the strongest possible terms the heinous terrorist suicide attacks targeting worshippers who were attending Sunday prayers at two Christian churches at Youhanabad, Lahore in Pakistan on 15 March 2015 killing 16 people and injuring more than 70 people.

This dastardly act against a religious congregation engaged in the practice and sustenance of their faith and spiritual upliftment is not only an attack against a group and places of worship but against humanity and the civilized world.

Sri Lanka as a country which has suffered from the scourge of terrorism for more than 30 years share the grief and pain of the people of Pakistan at this moment of distress. Sri Lanka reiterates its solidarity with Pakistan in its efforts in eliminating terrorism from Pakistan. Sri Lanka extends deepest condolences to the families of the bereaved and prays for speedy recovery of the injured.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Colombo 

17th March 2015

Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi who visited Sri Lanka at the invitation of President  Maithripala  Sirisena concluded his two-day official visit on Saturday 14 March 2015.  He was received on arrival by Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe along with several dignitaries.  The visit follows President Maithripala Sirisena’s first overseas visit to India in February 2015.

Read more: Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi concludes visit to Sri Lanka

Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, meets President Maithripala Sirisena at the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo, March 13, 2015

Read more: Official Visit of Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to Sri Lanka : 13 – 14 March 2015

The Guangzhou International Travel Fair 2015 (GITF 2015), a top platform to enter the China market as well as a gateway to diversified international markets, was held on 6 – 8 March 2015 in Guangzhou.     26 leading Sri Lankan travel agents and hotels participated in the trade fair, showcasing Sri Lanka’s attractive tourism resources.

Read more: Sri Lanka Wins Award for Best Booth at Guangzhou International Tourism Fair

Indian External Affairs Minister, Shrimati Sushma Swaraj paid an official visit to Sri Lanka from 06 to 07 March 2015. This is the first visit to Sri Lanka by Ms. Swaraj in her capacity as Minister of External Affairs. 

During her visit, Minister Swaraj met with her Sri Lankan counterpart, Mangala Samaraweera and held an extensive and cordial discussion covering a wide range of areas relating to bilateral cooperation. 

Read more: Indian External Affairs Minister concludes successful visit to Sri Lanka

Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will undertake an official visit to Sri Lanka from 13 to 14 March 2015 at the invitation of President Maithripala Sirisena.

On 13^th March, Prime Minister Modi will be accorded a ceremonial welcome including a Guard of Honour and Gun Salute. President Maithripala Sirisena will hold bilateral discussions with the visiting Prime Minister and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe will host a lunch in honour Prime Minister Modi. The Indian Prime Minister will address a Special Sitting of Parliament. He will also lay a wreath at the IPKF Memorial and visit the Mahabodhi Society. President Maithripala Sirisena will host a State Banquet in honour of the visiting Prime Minister.

Read more: Official visit of Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to Sri Lanka

The Indian External Affairs Minister Smt. Sushma Swaraj will visit Sri Lanka from 6th to 7th March 2015 for discussions with Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera. The discussions will focus on matters of mutual bilateral interest as well as on arrangements relating to the visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi later this month. Smt. Sushma Swaraj is also expected to call on President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe during the visit. 

Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Colombo