Sri Lanka High Commission in Ottawa

“The increased occurrence of disasters in the regions not only threatens to roll back hard earned development gains, but also the achievement of the development goals. In respect to the core responsibilities related to natural disasters and climate change, it is the prime responsibility of the governments as humanitarian actors to serve the vulnerable members of the society, especially, women, children and elderly, who are in need of assistance.  In thıs regard, Sri Lanka is committed to reaching out these vulnerable group members in tımes of crises” stated Minister Nimal Siriplala de Silva, Minister of Transport who lead the Sri Lanka delegation to the First World Humanitarian Summit (WHS), held in Istanbul, Turkey on 24th May 2016.

Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera, together with the Minister of Disaster Management Anura Priyadharshana Yapa and the Minister of Health & Indigenous Medicine Dr. Rajitha Senaratne briefed the Heads of Diplomatic Missions and International Organisations based in Colombo, on the flood and landslide situation in the country, yesterday Thursday 19 May 2016 at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Foreign Minister Samaraweera expressed appreciation to the international community for their messages of condolence and assistance to victims.

President Maithripala Sirisena arrived in New Delhi today. President Sirisena was received on arrival by the Indian Minister of State for Defence Rao Inderjit Singh, High Commissioner of Sri Lanka Esala Weerakoon, and senior officials of the Ministry of External Affairs, India.

The EU-Sri Lanka Working Group on Trade and Economic Cooperation met on 11 May 2016 in Brussels. The meeting, held in a friendly and constructive atmosphere, was co-chaired by Mrs. Sonali Wijeratne, Director General of Commerce, for Sri Lanka and Mr. Peter Berz, Head of Unit, European Commission Directorate General for Trade, for the EU.