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Sri Lanka High Commission in Ottawa

FOREIGN MINISTER DINESH GUNAWARDENA AND US SECRETARY OF STATE MICHAEL POMPEO HOLD BILATERAL DISCUSSIONS IN COLOMBO

2020-10-28

Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunawardena and visiting US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo held discussions this morning (28 October 2020) at the Foreign Ministry, covering several areas of the multifaceted relationship which exists between Sri Lanka and the United States. The discussions followed those with President Gotabaya Rajapaksa earlier in the morning.

During the delegation level official talks, the two sides exchanged views on the economic, political, defence & security spheres which straddle the relationship and agreed to take measures to further invigorate the existing cooperation. It was agreed to convene the annual Partnership Dialogue at an early, mutually convenient time frame, taking into account the existing COVID-19 pandemic situation. Furthermore, steps are to be taken to progress on several economic and development related initiatives, in addition to invigorating the Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) and the US GSP facility. They agreed to work in partnership to address the existing and post COVID-19 economic challenges. The two sides also exchanged views on regional and international developments of mutual interest.

Foreign Minister Gunawardena briefed the visiting Secretary of State on Sri Lanka’s progress in relation to strengthening reconciliation, promoting and protecting human rights, as well as addressing the country’s economic challenges and national security.

Secretary of State Michael Pompeo concluded his visit to Sri Lanka with a solemn event at the St. Anthony’s Church, Kochchikade where he, together with Mrs. Susan Pompeo, laid a wreath in remembrance of those who perished in the April 2019 Easter Sunday terrorist attacks.

Secretary of State Pompeo is the highest-level US dignitary to visit Sri Lanka during the tenure of US President Donald Trump. Sri Lanka is part of an Asian tour undertaken by the US Secretary of State covering three other countries.

Foreign Ministry
Colombo

28 October 2020

List of urgently required medicines and medical equipment received by the Ministry of Health in Sri Lanka

Please see the latest list of urgently required medicines and medical equipment issued by the Ministry of Health on 27the June 2022.

List of urgently required medicines and medical equipment

PRESS STATEMENT OF HON. DINESH GUNAWARDENA FOREIGN MINISTER AT THE JOINT PRESS EVENT WITH HON. MICHAEL POMPEO, US SECRETARY OF STATE

Hon Michael Pompeo, Secretary of State,

Hon Tharaka Balasuriya, State Minister

Madam Ambassador,

Members of the Delegation

Mr. Secretary Firstly I wish to welcome you and your delegation to Sri Lanka in this warm and pleasant weather amidst your busy schedule.

Tomorrow, the 29th of October 2020 marks the significant milestone of the 72nd anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Sri Lanka, then Ceylon, and the United States of America.

So indeed is a very important day and a visit Secretary of State that you have taken to be with us.

For over seven decades, our two countries have nurtured a strong relationship, founded on shared values of democracy and Socio-economic orientation. The relations between our peoples go back to mid 1800s, pre-dating the formal establishment of diplomatic relations. Over the years, this engagement has significantly matured into a multifaceted relationship, covering political, economic, educational, cultural and defence spheres including maritime matters. Equally important, the People to People interactions between our two nations.

In this context, it gives me immense pleasure in extending to you, my esteemed counterpart from the United States, Hon. Michael Pompeo, warm and cordial welcome to Sri Lanka. The fact that you have chosen to visit Sri Lanka, despite formidable challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic; dedicating your time and sharing your insight; is heart-warming Excellency.

FOREIGN SECRETARY COLOMBAGE SPEAKS OF GROWING INDIAN OCEAN IMPORTANCE

Foreign Secretary Prof. Jayanath Colombage highlighted the growing importance of the Indian Ocean for global trade, and global security on Hyde Park, Ada Derana on 24 October 2020.

He also spoke of the 'Sri Lanka First' policy and maintaining the non-aligned stance and neutrality.

Full interview at: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=apUiG0mqr5M

Sri Lanka High Commission in Ottawa facilitates collaboration between Canada Organic Trade Association (COTA) and Export Development Board (EDB)

Facilitated by the Sri Lanka High Commission in Ottawa the Canadian Organic Trade Association (COTA) Executive Director Tia Loftgard had discussions on promoting organic trade, capacity building and areas of possible collaboration with the Export Development Board (EDB) Sri Lanka on 10^th June 2022 virtually.

Welcoming the participants High Commissioner Harsha Kumara Navaratne informed that the meeting is an extension of previous discussions with COTA on improving and expanding the organic trade base of Sri Lanka and the need for capacity building .

EDB Chairman Suresh De Mel emphasised that organic trade is one of the fastest growing markets with untapped potential for expansion.

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According to a presentation made by EDB, there are 333 certified exporters, 626 certified processors and 20,679 certified farmers growing on 85,561.45 Ha. The Sri Lanka export basket includes Tea, Coconut kernel products, Spices, Fruits and Vegetables, Food and Beverage, Traditional Rice, Herbal Products, Super foods and Essential oils.

The National Organic Control Unit (NOCU) has been established under the EDB in July 11, 2014 and the EDB is deemed as the Organic Control Body of Sri Lanka in terms of section 29 of the Export Development Act. No 40.

EDB stated that it is looking forward to establish credible organic agriculture system in Sri Lanka with independent certified farmer groups with a view to increase export volume with credible organic input. It also outlined its registration and the process of obtaining mutual recognition for organic standards and on developing an automatic stakeholder registration system.

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Introducing the Canadian Organic Trade Association Tia Loftgrad stated COTA is a membership-based association for organic agriculture and products in Canada. The membership include growers, shippers, processors, certifiers, farmers’ associations, distributors, importers, exporters, consultants, retailers and all points along the organic value chain. According to her, Canadians have spent $ 8.138 Billion in 2020 out of which $6.519 Billion was on food and beverage (non alcoholic).

The EDB and COTA discussed on collaboration that could mutually benefit in exchange of best practices and obtaining assistance on capacity building.

Deputy High Commissioner Anzul Jhan, and Counsellor Lashinka Dammullage participated in the discussions while Consul General Thushara Rodrigo and Deputy Consul General Chandima Kiriwandala participated from the Toronto Consulate Generals office.

Sri Lanka High Commission

Ottawa

13^th June 2022