Sri Lanka High Commission in Ottawa

Address by Hon Tilak Marapana

Minister of Foreign Affairs of Sri Lanka

Indian Ocean Conference 2017

31^st August- 1^st September 2017, Colombo, Sri Lanka

Excellencies,

Distinguished Guests,

Ladies & Gentlemen, 

The Indian Ocean has historically been a powerful communication channel for the spread of culture, global trade and commerce. Today, the Indian Ocean’s traditional status as a major source of livelihood is more valid than ever before, as it remains an important international trade highway. 

State Minister of Foreign Affairs Vasantha Senanayake paid a courtesy call on the President of Lebanon General Michel Aoun at Babda Palace in Lebanon during his official visit to Lebanon. On behalf of the President of Sri Lanka, the State Minister extended an invitation to the President General Michel Aoun which was warmly accepted. 

Hon. Tilak Marapana, Minister of Development Assignments assumed duties at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on Friday 18 August 2017. 

Minister Marapana was received by the Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Prasad Kariyawasam and senior staff upon arrival at the Ministry. Following the lighting of the traditional oil lamp and holding of religious observances, the Minister officially assumed duties at the Ministry.

18 August 2017

His Majesty King Felipe VI

Kingdom of Spain 

Your Majesty, 

I am deeply saddened by the terrorist attacks in Spain on 17 August that resulted in the death and injury of so many innocent people.