Sri Lanka High Commission in Ottawa

Sri Lanka notes with concern on the reported nuclear test recently conducted by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK). 

Sri Lanka joins the international community in urging North Korea to refrain from taking any action that would adversely impact on the peace and stability of the region. 

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Colombo 

Sri Lanka strongly condemns the terrorist attack which took place in Jakarta today morning, 14^th January 2016. 

The Government of Sri Lanka extends Condolences to the families of the victims who died in the incident.

Sri Lanka reiterates its strong commitment to work with the international community including Indonesia to eradicate the scourge of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. 

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Colombo 

14th January 2016

At an event held at the United Nations on 25th September 2013 in New York, 122 Member States of the United Nations endorsed the Declaration of Commitment to End Sexual Violence in Conflict.

Read more: Sri Lanka endorses the Declaration of Commitment to End Sexual Violence in Conflict

President Maithripala Sirisena says that there is no any foreign influence in formulating the new constitution and this will be done understanding the needs of the country, even though some extremists groups spread false rumours across the country that the Government is prepared to implement the new constitution under the foreign influences.

Read more: ‘No foreign influences in drafting new constitution’ – President emphasized

Statement to the Media by Hon. Mangala Samaraweera, Minister of Foreign Affairs

after the Official Talks with Hon. Børge Brende, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Norway

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 7 January 2016

Good morning Ladies and Gentlemen, 

It has been an honour and a privilege to welcome the Norwegian Foreign Minister the Hon. Børge Brende to Sri Lanka, this morning. An official visit by a Norwegian Foreign Minister takes place after nearly 11 years. I hope that the very productive meeting we have just concluded will set the tone for this new chapter in our relations. 

Read more: Statement to Media by Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera after official talks with Norway Foreign Minister Børge Brende

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Norway, Børge Brende, will undertake a one-day official visit to Sri Lanka on 7 January 2016, at the invitation of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mangala Samaraweera.

Read more: Visit of Hon. Børge Brende, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Norway

At the invitation of H.E. the President Maithripala Sirisena, His Excellency Nawaz Sharif, Prime Minister of Pakistan, will undertake an official visit to Sri Lanka from 4 to 6 January 2016.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Madam Begum Kalsoom Sharif will be welcomed on their arrival at the Bandaranaike International Airport by Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe. On 5th January 2016, the official welcome ceremony presided by President Maithripala Sirisena will be held at the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo. The visiting Prime Minister will be accorded a ceremonial welcome including a Gun Salute and Guard of honour.

Read more: Official Visit of His Excellency Nawaz Sharif, Prime Minister of Pakistan to Sri Lanka