Sri Lanka High Commission in Ottawa

In his address at the 17th Ministerial Meeting of the Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD) held on 21 January 2021 under the theme “New Normal and Safe and Healthy Tourism”, Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunawardena stated that Sri Lanka opened its borders after much consultation, preparation following best practices, keeping safety and security of its citizens as paramount and that of the visitors. The Ministerial meeting was preceded  by a Senior Officials Meeting held on 19 January 2021.

Commending the Government of the  Republic of Turkey for  hosting   the ACD  Ministerial Meeting virtually, Minister Gunawardena stated that   Sri Lanka is  committed to the  ambitious  work plan of the ACD  in line  with the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development to promote inclusive growth in the region. Commenting further, the Minister stated that in line with President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s policy framework “Vistas of Prosperity and Splendor” Sri Lanka is focusing on a friendly and non-aligned foreign policy with special focus on Asia.

As a  Co-prime mover  of the pillar  of Science, Technology  and  Innovation, Minister Gunawardena stated that Sri Lanka is  aware   of the transformative impact Science, Technology and  Innovation  could  contribute to  the 2030 Agenda and that the importance of  this pillar was  amply  demonstrated  as the world  embraced in  various  degrees   the “new normal” from the  beginning of 2020,  with a  view  to adapting  the  disruption that the  pandemic  created in  all  aspects  of  human  activities. He insisted that all Member States need to invest more in this important pillar, by creating platforms of knowledge sharing in order to recover collectively as it is a global issue.

He also welcomed  the initiative  of  Turkey  for organizing the   first  virtual  Conference  of the Chambers of  Commerce  and Industry  of the Asian Cooperation Dialogue member countries on the sidelines of the ACD meeting on 20 January 2021. With a  view to boost trade and to keep supply chains moving, a delegation of Sri Lanka Chamber members and  officials of the Export Development Board of Sri Lanka participated at the Conference.

The meeting adopted the Ankara Declaration   on mitigating the adverse effects of the pandemic  and recovery efforts focusing on tourism. Minister Gunawardena stated that the Government of Sri Lanka made special provisions and granted concessions  to the  services  sector   affected  severely  by  global restrictions on travel. With a view to revive the travel industry, Sri Lanka took positive steps to open up gradually while being cautious. He stated that Member States whose economies are also dependent to a greater part on    tourism will     understand the     burden placed on Governments to ensure the safety and security of all those involved in the industry and therefore there is need to collaborate with all States transparently  and support  each other in  finding  solutions  collectively.

The Senior Officials meeting was led by Additional Secretary Economic Affairs Division P M Amza. Acting Director General Multilateral Anzul Jhan and Development Officer  of the Economic Affairs Division Inoka Dharmadasa of the Foreign Ministry also participated in the meetings.

Foreign Ministry
Colombo

22 January 2021

Engagement with OSLs Philanthropic Activities in Sri Lanka

During a farewell call on Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunawardena on 12 January 2021, the Ambassador of Viet Nam in Colombo, Pham ThiBich Ngoc endorsed that Sri Lanka and Viet Nam have immense potential for cooperation in the agriculture and fisheries sectors.

The Ambassador stated that Vietnam can share their best practices, knowledge and technology transfer, in particular.  Minister Gunawardena emphasized areas such as the canning industry, especially fish canning, fish feed production which are areas that Viet Nam can offer assistance to Sri Lanka.

 Ambassador Pham ThiBich Ngoc further said that such collaboration in the fisheries sector will no doubt contribute in uplifting rural fishing, and fish farming in Batticaloa and Mullaithivu.  Discussing further on agricultural sector cooperation, the Ambassador underscored that there is much potential in coffee, pepper and rubber, where Viet Nam can provide know how for cultivation.  They both agreed that in order to advance trade relations between the two countries, it is important to pursue a Preferential Trade Agreement.

Minister Gunawardena emphasized the importance of strengthening ties in areas of tourism, democracy and education cooperation. Moreover, the Minister referred to close connections that Sri Lanka had with the great leader of Viet Nam Ho Chi Minh and Madame Nguyen Thi Binh, Foreign Minister of the Revolutionary Government of Vietnam who worked closely with Sri Lanka in the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM).  The Minister highlighted the importance of partnership in amity in international platforms to overcome national security threats.  The Ambassador of Viet Nam expressed their fullest support for Sri Lanka’s bid for Sectoral Dialogue Partnership status in ASEAN.

Sri Lanka and Vietnam celebrated the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations in 2020.  Vietnam and Sri Lanka have enjoyed deep rooted friendly relations for centuries.  This relationship is based on cultural and historical similarities and most importantly the common heritage of Buddhism as a strong binding thread between the people of the two countries.  The historical records indicate that Buddhism was introduced to South of Vietnam around the 17th century and it is believed that Sri Lankan priests contributed towards the establishment of Theravada Buddhism in Southern Vietnam.

In 2014, Sri Lanka issued a stamp to mark President Ho Chi Minh’s 124th birthday.  Sri Lanka also unveiled the bust of President Ho Chi Minh at the Colombo Public Library on 23 November 2013, signifying the importance of bilateral ties.

Foreign Ministry

Colombo

13 January 2021