Sri Lanka High Commission in Ottawa

Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunawardena met with the British High Commissioner Sarah Hulton and Canadian High Commissioner David McKinnon, this week to discuss matters of bilateral importance.

The Minister addressed the mutual concern of security of countries, particularly in the context of the increasingly visible activities in the past few weeks by non-state actors engaged in glorification of terrorist acts of the LTTE, including suicide bombers. Serious note was taken by the envoys regarding the use of children in terrorist propaganda activities, leading to the radicalization of new generations of youth and children.

The High Commissioners conveyed the strong position of their governments that there was no tolerance for terrorist activities nor glorification of terrorism, in their countries, and the recent spate of acts of non-state entities in no way reflected a change in their official position on such matters.

Minister Gunawardena thanked the envoys for the continued commitment in the global fight against terrorism, including the commitment to ensure non-resurgence of the LTTE, which remains proscribed as a terrorist group in both the United Kingdom and Canada.

He noted that being Commonwealth countries, the relations between Sri Lanka, the United Kingdom and Canada are deep-rooted, steadfast and wide-ranging, and expressed confidence of continued close cooperation. The talks focused on the shared efforts of countries to support citizens and re-calibrated programmes to pursue economic development and support wellbeing of citizens in the context of the global pandemic, whilst welcoming news of the COVID-19 vaccine.

Foreign Secretary Admiral Professor Jayanath Colombage and senior officials of the Foreign Ministry joined Minister Gunawardena for the meetings.

Foreign Ministry
Colombo

09 December 2020

At the invitation of the High Commission of Sri Lanka in Singapore, State Minister for Regional Co-operation, Tharaka Balasuriya delivered a pre-recorded statement at 'Switching on Cross Border Start Ups & Innovation', an event organized jointly by the High Commission of Sri Lanka and GB Community Development (GBCDL) to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Sri Lanka and Singapore, on 08 December 2020. GBCDL is one of 19 consortium partners of the Global Technology Innovation Village established by the Asian Development Bank and Singapore Polytechnic, with a strong focus to support transboundary start-ups.

In his remarks, the State Minister reiterated on the robust ties between the two countries that have flourished over the years following the establishment of formal diplomatic relations in 1950. He further noted the importance of expanding trade, investment, cultural and educational relations and expressed hope that the goodwill between Sri Lanka and Singapore will further expand in the years ahead.

Meanwhile, State Minister Balasuriya also took the opportunity to express appreciation to the Government of Singapore for the assistance rendered in the health sector of Sri Lanka.

Foreign Ministry
Colombo

09 December 2020

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Speech by the State Minister for Regional Co-operation Tharaka Balasuriya on the occasion of the 50th Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between Sri Lanka and Singapore - 08 December 2020

Your Excellencies,

Distinguished guests,

Ladies and gentlemen,

AYUBOWAN!

At the outset, I would like to convey my best wishes for the "Switching on Cross Border Start Ups & Innovation" event which is being held to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between Sri Lanka and Singapore.

Although it is not possible to attend this important event in person, it is my pleasure to celebrate the occasion together with all of you present, through this recorded congratulatory message.

Since the establishment of diplomatic ties, Sri Lanka - Singapore relations, with the joint efforts of both sides, have withstood the test of time and the ever changing dynamics of global politics. I am pleased that high level exchanges and cooperation between our two countries have been frequent. This has led to the development of close cooperation in wide-ranging fields such as culture, education, and trade and investments.

I am confident that the friendship and co-operation between our two countries will continue to grow and deepen in the years ahead. I also take this opportunity to thank the Government of Singapore for the invaluable assistance extended towards Sri Lanka's fight against COVID-19 by donating healthcare and medical equipment, including COVID-19 test kits, ventilators, and personal protective equipment.

In closing my remarks, I wish for the further development of Sri Lanka - Singapore relations and I hope to personally contribute to enhancing our bilateral relationship.

Thank you

The full video can be viewed at: https://youtu.be/mG_50umdPsA