Sri Lanka High Commission in Ottawa

Foreign Minister of Indonesia Retno Lestari Priansari Marsudi welcomed the Foreign Minister of Sri Lanka to the Mission of Indonesia in New York. The Indonesian Foreign Minister emphasized that there are no bilateral issues between the two countries and hence the priority as Foreign Ministers is to strengthen bilateral relations with a special focus on economic cooperation. The Preferential Trade Agreement which is being discussed needs to be finalized in order to enhance bilateral trade.

Minister G.L. Peiris indicated that relations between the two countries as members of the nonaligned movement are critically important. The NAM is relevant even today since the philosophy of NAM is not to align on every issue but to judge every issue on its own merits. Hence we need to infuse more energy to this movement. Minister Peiris also indicated that Indonesia and Sri Lanka share a keen interest in Indian Ocean security. Therefore it is necessary to further empower the Indian Ocean Rim Association and ASEAN Regional Forum. Minister Peiris furthermore appreciated the cooperation in defence, intelligence sharing and staff level consultations with regards to countering terrorism and other forms of maritime crimes. Minister further highlighted that Sri Lanka wishes to have greater interaction with ASEAN since there are vibrant trade relations with some members of ASEAN and the potential synergy is evident. In this regard, Sri Lanka wishes to be a sectoral dialogue partner and to create a bridge between SAARC and ASEAN.  The Minister congratulated the Government of Indonesia on the remarkable success of combating the COVID-19 pandemic. This pandemic has resulted in unifying forces of humanity and allows us to come together in solidarity. The Minister also indicated the potential for enhancing tourism between the two countries.

Both Ministers agreed that there is a need to invigorate NAM and IORA to ensure effective outcomes. The Foreign Minister also agreed to visit each other’s countries at mutually convenient times.

Foreign Ministry

Colombo

25 September, 2021

(https://mfa.gov.lk/sl-fm-indonesia/)

Foreign Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris met the Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology of the United Arab Emirates Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, on the sidelines of the 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) where both Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthen the good relationship between the countries based on mutual understanding and respect.

Minister Peiris recalled his longstanding friendship with the Foreign Minister of UAE Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan and stated that he was looking forward to welcoming him to Sri Lanka soon. Sri Lanka and the UAE have fruitful and constructive collaboration in the international fora including at the International Maritime Organization, the UN Human Rights Council and the UN Security Council. Both Ministers agreed that it is not acceptable to impose on countries various conditions and agendas and that a one-size fits all policy does not deliver results.

Minister Al Jaber stated that the one-size fits all policy is also not applicable to climate change, and it is necessary to define mechanisms that would allow countries to adapt and mitigate climate change without affecting their economies. He stated that the UAE had put forward their nomination to host the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP 28) in 2023 and looked forward to the support of Sri Lanka.

Approximately 300,000 Sri Lankans are living and working in the UAE. The Foreign Minister expressed appreciation of the Government of Sri Lanka for providing employment opportunities for Sri Lankans and for looking after their welfare, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. He also thanked the UAE Government for introducing constructive legislation related to the welfare of workers. Minister Peiris briefed Minister Al Jaber on the progress of the vaccination drive in Sri Lanka and, while appreciating the relaxation of visas, looked forward to its further expansion. He also outlined the steps being taken by the Government to re-boost the tourism sector, specifically highlighting the ability to accommodate the specific priorities and requirements of visitors from the Gulf region.

Foreign Minister Peiris explained the challenges which Sri Lanka is currently experiencing with regard to its external budget, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. He focused in particular on the country’s requirement of oil, and requested concessionary arrangements from the UAE. Minister Al Jaber, responding positively, said that the UAE would be happy to assist, and proposed the establishment of a strategic framework to take the process forward. Both sides agreed to follow-up rapidly.

Foreign Ministry

Colombo

24 September 2021

(https://mfa.gov.lk/sl-fm-uae/)

Foreign Minister G.L. Peiris in his discussion with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Thailand Don Pramudwinai indicated strong and historical bilateral ties as two countries practising Theravada Buddhism.

Minister appreciated the assistance provided by Thailand to sustain the Buddhist monks at a time Sri Lanka did not have a sufficient number of senior Buddhist monks. Minister highlighted that the relations between the two countries are not limited to the governments but also between the people. Both the countries have worked closely together in many international and regional groupings such as BIMSTEC, IORA and Asian Cooperation Dialogue.  Minister Peiris indicated that there is abundant scope for enhancing cooperation between the two countries in agriculture, inland fisheries, and gem and jewellery. Sri Lanka is keen on value addition to our products and expertise can be obtained from Thailand in this regard.

Minister Peiris, furthermore thanked the Government of Thailand for their unstinted support in UNHRC for the principled position that imposing foreign solutions on individual countries without the consent of that country is against the principles of the UN.

Thailand Foreign Minister mentioned memories of participating in royal “Katina” in Sri Lanka and indicated that prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Sri Lanka was part of the Buddhist holy trail and the Minister hopes that it would revive once the COVID-19 pandemic is brought under control. The Foreign Minister of Thailand stated that they are ready to take over from Sri Lanka the chairmanship of BIMSTEC and to carry forward the initiatives underway. Minister stressed the importance of preventing climate change and the need for all to be on board whether it is corporate sector, community and youth. We need to address the issues and collaboratively work together to create a more peaceful world.

Foreign Ministry

Colombo

24 September, 2021

(https://mfa.gov.lk/sl-fs-thailand/)

Foreign Minister Prof. Peiris briefed the Indian Foreign Minister on the situation with regard to the Covid-19 pandemic and the successful measures being implemented by the Government of Sri Lanka to control the spread of the virus.

Minister Peiris further briefed the Foreign Minister about the pragmatic and tangible action taken by the government to resolve residual matters after the end of the conflict in May 2009, citing the fact that the Foreign Ministry, Defence Ministry and Justice Ministry were working collaboratively to address key issues, such as revisiting the Prevention of Terrorism Act, releasing of LTTE prisoners, and empowering independent institutions such as the Office of Missing Persons, Office for Reparations, Office of National Unity and Reconciliation, the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka and the SDG Council. Minister Peiris indicated that substantial progress had been made on many fronts and that efforts were continuing.

Foreign Minister Peiris further indicated that there is strong political will to move forward in many different areas of bilateral relations between India and Sri Lanka.

The Foreign Minister emphasised that Sri Lanka cannot accept any external mechanisms active on the ground, when robust domestic mechanisms are vigorously moving forward, stating that the nation was greatly encouraged by many countries standing firmly with the principled position taken by Sri Lanka that resolutions against countries cannot work without the consent of those countries. Both ministers agreed that bilateral relations between the two countries are of critical importance.

Minister Jaishankar indicated the need for a fair and just resolution of residual issues in the aftermath of the ethnic issues is in the interest of both countries. The Indian Foreign Minister indicated that our relations should not be limited to a single issue.  He further emphasised the need for a practical conclusion of the number of projects pending implementation, indicating that it would give more confidence to New Delhi to move forward in enhancing relations. Minister Jaishankar confirmed that India is willing to work with Sri Lanka in many different ways, including enhancing people to people contacts. The Minister also highlighted the need to engage with all stakeholders, including different political parties.

Both ministers agreed on the need to conclude pending agreements to fast-track relations between the two countries.

Foreign Ministry

Colombo

23 September, 2021

(https://mfa.gov.lk/fm-sl-india/)

Foreign Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris stated that the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA) has a vital role to play and can render yeoman service under the current circumstances to all its Member and Observer States, when the Executive Director of CICA Kairat Sarybay paid a courtesy call on the Minister in New York.

Minister Peiris emphasized that the work of CICA should be guided by its common objectives with focus being on the major challenges faced by its membership. The Government of Sri Lanka is committed to support the organization and believes that CICA would be able to offer the world many useful insights. The Minister also highlighted that all 27 Member States have robust institutions and sharing experiences and expertise would be an advantage as the world endeavors to emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Cooperation in the fields of infrastructure, education, vocational training, environmental issues, mitigating rural poverty, value-added exports and renewable energy are areas that CICA could vigorously pursue, stated the Foreign Minister. On the environmental front, he acknowledged that economic development at the cost of the environment is not sustainable and outlined the steps taken by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to promote a green economy with the shift from chemical based fertilizers to organic ones. Minister Peiris also reiterated that while it is important for countries to increase their GDP, it should be done in a manner that ensures equitable distribution and that the benefits trickle down to all communities, in particular the rural communities.

Executive Director Sarybay briefed the Minister on the activities of CICA and outlined its plans to establish a Council of Eminent Persons and the arrangements being made for the Ministerial meeting in October 2021. He stated that CICA would do its utmost to build confidence among the Member States. He believed this would lead to greater dialogue and cooperation resulting in enhanced development and security in the region. He appreciated the leading role played by Sri Lanka in offering expertise, particularly in the tourism sector at senior officials meetings, interactive sessions and other activities organized by CICA.

The Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA) was established in 1992 and is a multi-national forum for enhancing cooperation towards promoting peace, security and stability in Asia. It is comprised of 27 Member States, 9 Observer States and 5 Observer organizations. Sri Lanka gained Observer status of CICA in 2012 and full membership in 2018.

Foreign Ministry

Colombo

21 September 2021

(https://mfa.gov.lk/cica-fm-sl/)

Foreign Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris met his Australian counterpart Marise Payne in New York and discussed avenues for enhanced cooperation on a wide spectrum of areas. Foreign Minister Payne conveyed the warm greetings of the Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison to his Sri Lankan counterpart and stated that the Prime Minister is personally interested in the preparations for the upcoming celebrations to mark the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Minister Peiris referred to the experience of Australia in vocational education and expressed that Sri Lanka is very much interested in gaining assistance in this area. With regard to human trafficking, he stated that this is a humanitarian tragedy and that the Government of Sri Lanka has played a substantial role in curbing this illegal activity. Minister Peiris apprised Minister Payne that much headway has been made in the economic development of the Northern and Eastern provinces of the country as well as with reconciliation. He also elaborated on developments related to the Office of Missing Persons, Office for Reparations and the Office of National Unity and Reconciliation (ONUR) as well as the appointment of a Commission headed by a sitting judge of the Supreme Court to take stock of the current situation and to identify ways and means of taking the process forward.

Minister Peiris stated that there is a need to allow local institutions the space and opportunity to carry out their mandates and the establishment of an ad-hoc external mechanism that overrides this work is unnecessary and detrimental. It is premature and inappropriate to have a mechanism selectively targeting Sri Lanka and goes against the very principles of the UN Charter.

Minister Payne stated that there is a very warm and significant Sri Lankan diaspora in Australia. She welcomed enhanced cooperation between the two countries in the areas outlined by Minister Peiris, particularly in the field of intelligence sharing and education. Both Ministers agreed to work together closely to further enhance the warm and cordial relations between Sri Lanka and Australia.

Foreign Ministry

Colombo

21 September, 2021

(https://mfa.gov.lk/fm-sl-australia-2/)