Sri Lanka High Commission in Ottawa

Government of Sri Lanka secures the release of Sri Lankan Crew and ‘Aris 13’ Vessel hijacked by Pirates

The Ministry is pleased to announce that the vessel ‘Aris 13’ that was hijacked by pirates was released late last night/ early this morning (16-17 March Sri Lankan time) along with the eight Sri Lankan crew. The crew members were released unharmed, without the payment of a ransom.

Statement by Hon. Mangala Samaraweera, Minister of Foreign Affairs following Bilateral Talks with H.E. Yun Byung-se, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea

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Statement by Hon. Mangala Samaraweera, Minister of Foreign Affairs following Bilateral Talks with H.E. Yun Byung-se, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea, on 15^th March 2017 in Colombo

Your Excellency Yun Byung-se, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea,

H.E. Chang Won-Sam, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea,

Distinguished Delegates, Ladies and Gentlemen,

It gives me great pleasure to welcome H.E. Yun Byung-se, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea to Sri Lanka. The visit is significant as it is the first official visit by a Foreign Minister of the Republic of Korea to Sri Lanka in 31 years, since 1986. The visit is also of significance as it coincides with the 40^th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between our two countries which we celebrate this year.

President Sirisena on State Visit to Indonesia following participation in the 20th Anniversary Summit of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA)

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President Maithripala Sirisena who left for Indonesia this morning, 6 March 2017, arrived in Jakarta today. He will participate in the 20th Anniversary Summit of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) in which Sri Lanka is a founding member, on 6 and 7 March.

Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera takes part in IORA Ministers Meeting

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Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Mangala Samaraweera is attending the Ministerial Meeting of the 20^th Anniversary of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) taking place today, on 06^th March 2017, in Jakarta, Indonesia. The meeting is being held on the theme of “Strengthening maritime cooperation for a peaceful, stable and a prosperous Indian ocean region”.

Statement by Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera at the High Level Segment of the 34th Session of the Human Rights Council

Statement by

Hon. Mangala Samaraweera, MP

Minister of Foreign Affairs of Sri Lanka

High-Level Segment of the 34^th Session of the UN Human Rights Council

Geneva, 28 February 2017

Mr. President

High Commissioner for Human Rights/ Madam Deputy High Commissioner

Excellencies

Distinguished Delegates

Ladies and Gentlemen

It is an honour for me to be here today at the 34^th Session of the UN Human Rights Council which I believe has the highest number of dignitaries in attendance.