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Sri Lanka High Commission in Ottawa
THE MESSAGE OF H.E. GOTABAYA RAJAPAKSA, PRESIDENT OF SRI LANKA ON THE OCCASION OF MILAD-UN-NABI CELEBRATION
Friday, 30 October 2020 02:28
STATE MINISTER FOR REGIONAL CO-OPERATION THARAKA BALASURIYA REAFFIRMS PRESIDENT RAJAPAKSA’S COMMITMENT FOR 80% RENEWABLE ENERGY TO THE UK’S REGIONAL AMBASSADOR FOR THE 26TH UN CLIMATE CHANGE CONFERENCE
Wednesday, 28 October 2020 23:36
State Minister for Regional Co-operation Tharaka Balasuriya reaffirmed President Rajapaksa’s commitment for 80% renewable energy to UK’s COP26 Regional Ambassador for Asia/Pacific and South Asia Ken O’Flaherty during a virtual discussion on 27 October 2020.
Cognizant of Sri Lanka being ranked the 6th most vulnerable country in the world to the adverse impact of climate change in the Global Climate Risk Index 2020, the State Minister highlighted the initiatives adopted by Sri Lanka to promote climate resilience and adaptation through conservation and protection of mangroves, wetlands and forests to reduce greenhouse gases. The importance of green financing to support designing and manufacturing electric vehicles by young Sri Lankan entrepreneurs to promote climate-friendly transport systems was also mentioned. Emphasizing Sri Lanka’s commitment to address marine plastic pollution, the need to develop facilities in coastal cities, especially to recycle plastic litter, was identified as an important element.
Ambassador O’Flaherty, appreciated Sri Lanka’s green initiatives, including on-going collaboration between the UK and Sri Lanka under the Commonwealth Litter Programme (CLiP) focused on addressing the impact of micro plastics, through collaboration in research, enhancing capacity for analysis by strengthening laboratory facilities and public awareness campaigns. He further commended Sri Lanka’s leading role in the Commonwealth Blue Charter Action Group on Mangrove Ecosystems and Livelihoods and advocating to halve the world’s Nitrogen waste by 2030, through the Colombo Declaration on Sustainable Nitrogen Management.
Highlighting emerging trends in the sphere of renewable energy, Ambassador O’ Flaherty stated that wind and solar power, when compared with fossil fuels, are much more cost effective. He pointed out that many countries in the Asian region have commenced the process of phasing out coal power.
Climate change is a global phenomenon, which no country can address alone and requires cooperation at both bilateral and multilateral levels. However, action or inaction by a single country, including Sri Lanka would have an overarching impact in the global context. In this regard, bilateral collaboration between Sri Lanka and the UK sets the agenda to address a critical existential threat of our times.
The discussion was held in the context of the UK hosting the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) 26th Conference of Parties (COP26) in Glasgow in 2021.
The virtual discussion was moderated by British High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Sarah Hulton. Foreign Secretary, Admiral Professor Jayanath Colombage, Director General/Ocean Affairs, Environment and Climate Change Hasanthi Urugodawatte Dissanayake and Acting Director General/Europe and Central Asia and European Union and Commonwealth Dhammika Semasinghe, and Head of Prosperity Section of the British High Commission in Colombo Andrew Price participated at the meeting.
Foreign Ministry
Colombo
28 October 2020
FOREIGN MINISTER DINESH GUNAWARDENA AND US SECRETARY OF STATE MICHAEL POMPEO HOLD BILATERAL DISCUSSIONS IN COLOMBO
Wednesday, 28 October 2020 23:33
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
PRESS STATEMENT OF HON. DINESH GUNAWARDENA FOREIGN MINISTER AT THE JOINT PRESS EVENT WITH HON. MICHAEL POMPEO, US SECRETARY OF STATE
Wednesday, 28 October 2020 23:31
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
Sunday, 25 October 2020 20:24
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
ADDRESS BY GUEST OF HONOUR, HON DINESH GUNAWARDENA, FOREIGN MINISTER AT “SHAPING OUR FUTURE TOGETHER” THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE UNITED NATIONS AND 65TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE UNITED NATIONS IN COLOMBO, VIRTUAL EVENT ON 23 OCTOBER 2020
Saturday, 24 October 2020 23:53
Hon Prime Minister,
Hon Minister of Youth and Sports
Her Excellency the UN Resident Coordinator in Sri Lanka
Staff of the UN Country Team in Sri Lanka,
Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen
I am pleased to address you today on this historic occasion of the 75th Anniversary of the United Nations and the 65th Anniversary of the United Nations in Colombo.
The United Nations’ reaching its seventy-fifth year, demonstrates the durability of not only this organization, but also the concept of multilateralism, based on the core principles of sovereign equality of all States, respect for their territorial integrity and non-interference in their domestic affairs. The partnerships fostered between Member States and the UN continues are at their best when based on these principles.
As we are celebrating this milestone, the world is faced with the unprecedented challenge of the COVID-19 pandemic. This virus transcends national boundaries and no Member State can withstand the varied effects of the pandemic nor find solutions alone. The UN plays an important role in fostering multilateral action and mobilizing global solidarity towards addressing this scourge. Sri Lanka appreciates and supports the contributions by the UN and especially the WHO to the global response to address the multiple challenges of the pandemic.
While celebrating the 65th anniversary of Sri Lanka’s membership in the United Nations this year, Sri Lanka is pleased to have contributed significantly to the work of the United Nations, from its peacekeeping operations to its specialized agencies. Sri Lankan nationals have served with distinction in varied roles within the organization.
APPEAL ON THE LTTE PROSCRIPTION IN THE UK
Friday, 23 October 2020 03:13
Media Statement
The Government of Sri Lanka has been made aware of the Open Judgement by the Proscribed Organizations Appeals Commission (POAC) of the United Kingdom dated 21 October 2020.
The decision of the POAC arises from an appeal filed in May 2019 by an LTTE front organization challenging the decision of the UK Secretary of State for Home Affairs dated 8 March 2019, which refused the application by the group to de-proscribe the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) from the list of Proscribed Organizations under the UK Terrorism Act of 2000.
While the Government of Sri Lanka was not a party to these proceedings at the POAC and could not make direct representations, the Government has assisted the Government of the United Kingdom by providing relevant information with regard to continued terrorist activities.
The Open Judgement of the POAC while allowing the Appeal, provides for further hearings, and the Government of Sri Lanka will continue to closely monitor the progress of the case in the UK.
The Government of Sri Lanka has sufficient evidence to prove that the remnants of the LTTE and groups aligned with its terrorist ideology are active in foreign countries, working to incite violence and destabilize the country. Sri Lanka remains vigilant of threats to its national security as well as that of the region, and will always support members of the international community in the global fight against terrorism.
Foreign Ministry
Colombo
22 October 2020
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