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SRI LANKA TO PARTNER WITH THAILAND IN DIVERSIFIED AREAS FOR ECONOMIC COOPERATION

2020-12-14-I

Ambassador of Thailand in Sri Lanka Chulamanee Chartsuwan paid a courtesy call on Foreign Secretary Admiral Prof. Jayanath Colombage on 10 December 2020 and discussed ways to fast track areas of cooperation in diversified sectors.

The two dignitaries held focused discussions on ways to strengthen and fast track the bilateral relationship. Both commended the ongoing discussions on the Thailand Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement and noted on the progress made by both sides. The 1st Round Negotiations of ‘Sri Lanka-Thailand Free Trade Agreement’ was held in 2018 during the official visit of the Prime Minister of Thailand to Sri Lanka. The second meeting of the ‘Sri Lanka-Thailand Trade Negotiating Committee’ was held in 2019. Both parties endorsed that they are hopeful the negotiation process will be completed soon to reap the benefits for enhanced economic cooperation.

Ambassador Chartsuwan said that there is much scope for further expansion of Sri Lanka’s exports to Thailand through the implementation of the Strategic Economic Partnership (SEP) which was signed during the official visit of the Prime Minister of Thailand. The SEP outlines cooperation under 10 sectors such as infrastructure, agro industry, fisheries, gems and jewellery, tourism, SMEs, financial cooperation, packaging industries, IT sector development and other sectors of mutual economic interest.

Sri Lanka and Thailand have sustained a timeless, mutually enriching relationship over centuries. People of both countries are bound by the Theravada Buddhist links, and both countries have continued to flourish and diversify into multifaceted areas of cooperation since the establishment of formal diplomatic relations in 1955.

Foreign Ministry
Colombo

14 December 2020

 

MALAYSIA - SRI LANKA RELATIONS TO FOCUS ON BILATERAL COOPERATION IN TRADE AND SECURITY IN THE POST COVID-19 RECOVERY

2020-12-14

Malaysian High Commissioner in Colombo Tan Yang Thai paid a Courtesy Call on Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunawardena at the Foreign Ministry premises on 11 December 2020. Discussions between the two dignitaries focused on enhancing bilateral cooperation in trade and security between the two countries.

The High Commissioner while commenting that all countries are struggling to stay afloat amidst the raging COVID-19 virus which continues to claim heavy toll in their economies, commended policies implemented by Sri Lanka to tackle the spread of the virus.  The High Commissioner further noted that Malaysia will continue to support the ASEAN centrality and the recently signed Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) expected to facilitate the Southeast Asian economies to return to normalcy overcoming the contagion in the post COVID -19 era. The RCEP will connect about 30% of the world’s people and generate significant gains, in particular Southeast Asia by 2030 and improve access to Chinese Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) opening up opportunities for market access in areas of transport, energy, and communications.

Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunawardena further expressing his sincere wishes to the Foreign Minister of Malaysia, highlighted that he is optimistic that Sri Lanka and Malaysia could gear up its cooperation in multifarious fields at the beginning of next year by holding bilateral political consultations. Both dignitaries agreed that there is immense potential for Sri Lanka to expand trade with Malaysia, in particular agriculture based industries.

Minister Gunawardena further commended the cooperation extended by Malaysia in security related fields and both endorsed closer cooperation. High Commissioner Tan underlined that Malaysia will not condone any type of terrorism or extremism in Malaysia, and will take every measure to curtail and will continue to promote peace and stability in the region. Furthermore, the Malaysian High Commissioner assured that Malaysia will continue to support Sri Lanka in the regional and International fora. Minister Gunawardena reiterated that Sri Lanka expects to build a strong bond with the ASEAN community during his tenure and highlighted that Sri Lanka expects to become a Sectoral Dialogue Partner of ASEAN.

The trade between Sri Lanka and Malaysia has been increasing over the last few years with the emergence of Malaysia as one of Sri Lanka’s major trading partners. At present, Malaysia is the 4th supplier to Sri Lanka in 2019 supplying 4.6% of Sri Lanka’s total imports. Malaysia was the 39th export destination of Sri Lanka in 2019. Malaysia was the 6th investing partner of Sri Lanka in the year of 2019.

Foreign Ministry
Colombo

14 December 2020

 

FOREIGN MINISTER GUNAWARDENA DISCUSSES GOSL CONCERNS WITH COLOMBO BASED ENVOYS

2020-12-08-2
2020-12-09-3

Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunawardena met with the British High Commissioner Sarah Hulton and Canadian High Commissioner David McKinnon, this week to discuss matters of bilateral importance.

The Minister addressed the mutual concern of security of countries, particularly in the context of the increasingly visible activities in the past few weeks by non-state actors engaged in glorification of terrorist acts of the LTTE, including suicide bombers. Serious note was taken by the envoys regarding the use of children in terrorist propaganda activities, leading to the radicalization of new generations of youth and children.

The High Commissioners conveyed the strong position of their governments that there was no tolerance for terrorist activities nor glorification of terrorism, in their countries, and the recent spate of acts of non-state entities in no way reflected a change in their official position on such matters.

Minister Gunawardena thanked the envoys for the continued commitment in the global fight against terrorism, including the commitment to ensure non-resurgence of the LTTE, which remains proscribed as a terrorist group in both the United Kingdom and Canada.

He noted that being Commonwealth countries, the relations between Sri Lanka, the United Kingdom and Canada are deep-rooted, steadfast and wide-ranging, and expressed confidence of continued close cooperation. The talks focused on the shared efforts of countries to support citizens and re-calibrated programmes to pursue economic development and support wellbeing of citizens in the context of the global pandemic, whilst welcoming news of the COVID-19 vaccine.

Foreign Secretary Admiral Professor Jayanath Colombage and senior officials of the Foreign Ministry joined Minister Gunawardena for the meetings.

Foreign Ministry
Colombo

09 December 2020

 

STATE MINISTER FOR REGIONAL CO-OPERATION DELIVERS REMARKS AT AN EVENT ON “SWITCHING ON CROSS BORDER START UPS & INNOVATION” - 08 DECEMBER 2020

2020-12-08-1

At the invitation of the High Commission of Sri Lanka in Singapore, State Minister for Regional Co-operation, Tharaka Balasuriya delivered a pre-recorded statement at 'Switching on Cross Border Start Ups & Innovation', an event organized jointly by the High Commission of Sri Lanka and GB Community Development (GBCDL) to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Sri Lanka and Singapore, on 08 December 2020. GBCDL is one of 19 consortium partners of the Global Technology Innovation Village established by the Asian Development Bank and Singapore Polytechnic, with a strong focus to support transboundary start-ups.

In his remarks, the State Minister reiterated on the robust ties between the two countries that have flourished over the years following the establishment of formal diplomatic relations in 1950. He further noted the importance of expanding trade, investment, cultural and educational relations and expressed hope that the goodwill between Sri Lanka and Singapore will further expand in the years ahead.

Meanwhile, State Minister Balasuriya also took the opportunity to express appreciation to the Government of Singapore for the assistance rendered in the health sector of Sri Lanka.

Foreign Ministry
Colombo

09 December 2020

............................................

Speech by the State Minister for Regional Co-operation Tharaka Balasuriya on the occasion of the 50th Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between Sri Lanka and Singapore - 08 December 2020

Your Excellencies,

Distinguished guests,

Ladies and gentlemen,

AYUBOWAN!

At the outset, I would like to convey my best wishes for the "Switching on Cross Border Start Ups & Innovation" event which is being held to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between Sri Lanka and Singapore.

Although it is not possible to attend this important event in person, it is my pleasure to celebrate the occasion together with all of you present, through this recorded congratulatory message.

Since the establishment of diplomatic ties, Sri Lanka - Singapore relations, with the joint efforts of both sides, have withstood the test of time and the ever changing dynamics of global politics. I am pleased that high level exchanges and cooperation between our two countries have been frequent. This has led to the development of close cooperation in wide-ranging fields such as culture, education, and trade and investments.

I am confident that the friendship and co-operation between our two countries will continue to grow and deepen in the years ahead. I also take this opportunity to thank the Government of Singapore for the invaluable assistance extended towards Sri Lanka's fight against COVID-19 by donating healthcare and medical equipment, including COVID-19 test kits, ventilators, and personal protective equipment.

In closing my remarks, I wish for the further development of Sri Lanka - Singapore relations and I hope to personally contribute to enhancing our bilateral relationship.

Thank you

The full video can be viewed at: https://youtu.be/mG_50umdPsA

 

REPUBLIC OF KOREA DONATES USD 300,000 WORTH ANTI COVID-19 TEST KITS TO MARK THE 43RD ANNIVERSARY OF DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS

2020-12-09

The Ambassador of the Republic of Korea, Woonjin Jeong at a ceremony held in the Foreign Ministry on 08 December 2020, handed over a donation of USD 300,000 worth Real-Time PCR Test Kits to Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunawardena in commemoration of the 43rd anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations between Sri Lanka and the Republic of Korea.

Addressing the handing over ceremony, Foreign Minister Gunawardena thanked the Republic of Korea for the generous contribution towards the COVID-19 containment efforts of the Government of Sri Lanka and highlighted that the traditional friendship between the two countries has flourished over time into a multifaceted partnership with economic cooperation as a key pillar. Acknowledging the exponential growth achieved by the Republic of Korea in the past decades, Foreign Minister Gunawardena sought the Republic of Korea’s expertise and support towards the development of rural economies and livelihoods in Sri Lanka with a special focus on the areas of aviation, shipping, health, agriculture, science & technology.

Ambassador Woonjin Jeong in his remarks stated that under the “Stay Strong” campaign, Korea and Sri Lanka have strengthened anti-COVID collaboration with each other. While expressing satisfaction at the ongoing development partnership between Sri Lanka and South Korea, the Ambassador invited Korean investors to explore more opportunities in Sri Lanka in key sectors including LNG, renewable energy, infrastructure and digital economy and more Korean tourists to come to Sri Lanka once the COVID-19 related travel restrictions are lifted.

State Minister of Regional Co-operation Tharaka Balasuriya, Foreign Secretary Admiral Prof. Jayanath Colombage, senior officials of the Foreign Ministry and the Embassy of Republic of Korea in Colombo were present at the event.

Sri Lanka and the Republic of Korea established diplomatic relations on 14 November 1977.

 

Foreign Ministry
Colombo

08 December 2020

Read more: REPUBLIC OF KOREA DONATES USD 300,000 WORTH ANTI COVID-19 TEST KITS TO MARK THE 43RD ANNIVERSARY OF DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS

 

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA ASSISTS REPATRIATING STRANDED SRI LANKANS IN SOUTH INDIA

2020-12-08

Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunawardena and Fisheries Minister Douglas Devananda met with the Indian High Commissioner Gopal Bagley on 7 December 2020 at the Foreign Ministry. The two Ministers discussed matters of mutual interest with the Indian High Commissioner, mainly focussing on the Palk Strait fisheries issue and possible post Covid-19 mutual cooperation.

It was agreed to find solutions to the existing fisheries matters through the established bilateral mechanisms, including the Ministerial-level India-Sri Lanka Joint Working Group on Fisheries. The fourth Meeting of the Bilateral Working Group on Fisheries that was scheduled for last January was postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic situation. Both sides endorsed to convene the Working Group meeting virtually at the earliest, while assurances were given to maintain the standard procedures in dealing with mid-sea encounters.

Both sides expressed satisfaction over the entire gamut of areas in bilateral cooperation, including the ongoing development assistance and Covid-19 pandemic joint action. The Indian side assured fullest cooperation to repatriate the Sri Lankans who are still stranded in South India due to travel restrictions. The two Ministers thanked India for the assistance given to construct the Jaffna Cultural Centre, which is expected to become functional soon through joint collaboration. Both sides agreed to continue the close dialogue.

Foreign Ministry

Colombo

08 December 2020

   

DOORS OPEN FOR SRI LANKAN JEWELLERY INDUSTRY IN SOUTH AFRICA

2020-12-07

 

The outgoing South African High Commissioner in Colombo Robina P. Marks called on Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunawardena at the Foreign Ministry on 04 December 2020.

The High Commissioner apprised the Minister that the Government of South Africa was keen to obtain assistance from Sri Lankan craftsmen to develop the Jewellery Industry in South Africa. Foreign Minister Gunawardena sought the South African expertise in the canning industry for the food and vegetable industry in Sri Lanka as around 40% of the harvest is wasted in the country due to technology gaps in this field. Besides, the Minister highlighted the importance of enhancing cooperation in trade, investment and tourism sectors between the two countries. It was also discussed on further expanding tea exports to the African continent through the South African distribution network.

The outgoing High Commissioner also informed that the South African supermarket chain, SPAR has made arrangements to expand up to 20 units in Sri Lanka and also emphasized on the availability of the containers that import goods from South Africa to be used to export Sri Lankan products to the South African Market upon their return.

In conclusion, the Foreign Minister thanked the High Commissioner for her immense contribution in further consolidating relations between Sri Lanka and South Africa in all spheres. Director General of Africa Affairs of the Ministry Sumith Dassanayake was also associated in the discussion.

Foreign Ministry
Colombo

06 December 2020

   

FOREIGN MINISTER DINESH GUNAWARDENA DISCUSSES SRI LANKA’S BILATERAL COOPERATION WITH CUBAN AMBASSADOR

2020-12-07

The Ambassador of the Republic of Cuba in Sri Lanka, Juana Elena Ramos Rodriguez met Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunawardena on Friday, 04 December at the Foreign Ministry. The meeting entailed discussion, inter alia, on potential areas of cooperation, including in the pharmaceutical and sugar cane industries, where Sri Lanka would benefit from Cuban expertise and technical assistance; and ongoing collaboration in the development of the coconut industry in Cuba through technical cooperation with Sri Lanka.

Recalling the commemoration of 60 years of diplomatic relations between Sri Lanka and Cuba in 2019, the two sides welcomed collaboration between the Lakshman Kadirgamar Institute of International Relations of Sri Lanka (LKI) and the Raul Roa Garcia Higher Institute of International Relations in Cuba, as well as in higher education through scholarships offered to Sri Lanka for undergraduate study in Medicine by the Cuban Government. They also welcomed the MOU signed between the Chambers of Commerce of Sri Lanka and Cuba to enhance business ties.

Read more: FOREIGN MINISTER DINESH GUNAWARDENA DISCUSSES SRI LANKA’S BILATERAL COOPERATION WITH CUBAN AMBASSADOR

   

STATEMENT BY HON. DINESH GUNAWARDENA, FOREIGN MINISTER OF THE DEMOCRATIC SOCIALIST REPUBLIC OF SRI LANKA AT THE 31ST SPECIAL SESSION OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY IN RESPONSE TO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC, 03/04 DECEMBER 2020

 

2020-12-05

Mr President
Mr Secretary-General
Your Majesties
Your Excellencies
Distinguished Delegates
Ladies and Gentlemen

At the outset, I thank H.E. Volkan Bozkir, President of the General Assembly for convening the Special Session in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, as proposed by the Non Aligned Movement and Azerbaijan, Chair of the NAM.

I convey my deepest condolences to all those who have lost loved ones due to the COVID-19 Pandemic the greatest global health crisis to face humanity, and express appreciation to the frontline healthcare and essential services workers in Sri Lanka and worldwide, for their dedication and commitment.

Under the leadership of His Excellency President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, Sri Lanka has been managing the spread of COVID-19 through the strict adherence to the Universal Health Precautions and with a whole-of-government approach, targeting zero transmission.

A National Operation Centre for the Prevention of COVID-19 Outbreak was established to carry out operations to combat the pandemic. A digital platform - ‘Stay Safe’ – facilitates public engagement for contact tracing. The Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 Prevention effectively coordinates these measures. The free Universal Health Care facility that Sri Lanka provides to its people has also lessened the spread of the virus.

Sri Lanka focuses on eliminating COVID-19 from the country in the year 2021. The mechanism and strategic plan the Government has currently deployed to respond to the pandemic while maintaining normalcy in the daily life, consist of 10 pillars: national level coordination, planning and review as the first pillar, raising awareness among the public about the risk and active participation of the society in the mitigation process as the second, supervision, rapid response and detection as the third, monitoring at the ports of entry and inland transportations routes as the fourth, strengthening the laboratory system as the fifth, control and prevention of the spread of the virus as the sixth, adequate handling of patients as the seventh, expediting facilities to all the healthcare services as the eighth, continuation of the essential health services as the ninth and ensuring social security and continuation of economic activities as the tenth.

In addressing the socio-economic impact caused by the pandemic, the Government has granted financial relief and dry rations to over six million families and vulnerable groups, established a COVID – 19 Healthcare and Social Security Fund and provides financial facilities to local businesses.

Read more: STATEMENT BY HON. DINESH GUNAWARDENA, FOREIGN MINISTER OF THE DEMOCRATIC SOCIALIST REPUBLIC OF SRI LANKA AT THE 31ST SPECIAL SESSION OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY IN RESPONSE TO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC, 03/04 DECEMBER 2020

   

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