On the sidelines of the Global Conference on Cyberspace (GCCS -2015), Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Ajith P. Perera paid a visit to the historic Peace Palace on 16^th April 2015 and met , Deputy Secretary General of the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA),  Mr. Brooks W. Daly. The Deputy Minister briefed the Deputy Secretary General on current political developments in Sri Lanka, including proposed constitutional reforms, progress achieved in protection and the promotion of human rights and government initiatives being taken to foster peace and reconciliation. Dep. Secretary General Daily acknowledged Sri Lanka’s contribution in the PCA and noted the significant service rendered by eminent Sri Lankan jurists in the International Court of Justice. Both parties agreed to expedite the finalization of a proposed Host Country Agreement between Sri Lanka and the Permanent Court of Arbitration. The PCA which was established in 1899 as an intergovernmental organization with the aim of facilitating arbitration and other forms of dispute resolution between States and now consists of 117 State parties, with Sri Lanka a member since 1955.

Deputy Foreign Minister Ajith P. Perera concluded his visit to The Hague by meeting with officials of the Dutch Foreign Ministry; Peter Potman, Director of Asia and Oceania Department and Arnold van der Zanden, Senior Policy Officer of Asia and Oceania Department, to discuss ways to further strengthen bilateral relations. Mr. Neil Unamboowe, Senior Deputy Solicitor General and Wathsala Amarasinghe, CDA a.i. of Sri Lanka Embassy in The Hague participated at the meeting with the Deputy Minister.

The Deputy Minister gave an overview of the current political developments in Sri Lanka and measures being taken by the Government to strengthen democracy, human rights, good governance and rule of law, as well as constitutional reforms underway following the formation of the new Government in January 2015.

Deputy Minister Perera also briefed on the favourable investment climate existing in the country and the significance of the county’s geo-strategic position, and invited Dutch investment in the fields of software technology and tourism. While welcoming the progress of the new government initiatives the Dutch officials informed that they looked forward to work closely with the new government to further bilateral cooperation and appreciated the potential of Sri Lanka as a growing market. The need to strengthen the diplomatic relations between the two countries through dialogue and close partnership was underscored and both sides recognized the positive role revival of direct air links between Sri Lanka and the Netherlands could play to enhance trade, tourism and bilateral relations.

Embassy of Sri Lanka

The Hague

18^th April 2015