News
FOREIGN MINISTER DINESH GUNAWARDENA AND US SECRETARY OF STATE MICHAEL POMPEO HOLD BILATERAL DISCUSSIONS IN COLOMBO
Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunawardena and visiting US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo held discussions this morning (28 October 2020) at the Foreign Ministry, covering several areas of the multifaceted relationship which exists between Sri Lanka and the United States. The discussions followed those with President Gotabaya Rajapaksa earlier in the morning.
During the delegation level official talks, the two sides exchanged views on the economic, political, defence & security spheres which straddle the relationship and agreed to take measures to further invigorate the existing cooperation. It was agreed to convene the annual Partnership Dialogue at an early, mutually convenient time frame, taking into account the existing COVID-19 pandemic situation. Furthermore, steps are to be taken to progress on several economic and development related initiatives, in addition to invigorating the Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) and the US GSP facility. They agreed to work in partnership to address the existing and post COVID-19 economic challenges. The two sides also exchanged views on regional and international developments of mutual interest.
Foreign Minister Gunawardena briefed the visiting Secretary of State on Sri Lanka’s progress in relation to strengthening reconciliation, promoting and protecting human rights, as well as addressing the country’s economic challenges and national security.
Secretary of State Michael Pompeo concluded his visit to Sri Lanka with a solemn event at the St. Anthony’s Church, Kochchikade where he, together with Mrs. Susan Pompeo, laid a wreath in remembrance of those who perished in the April 2019 Easter Sunday terrorist attacks.
Secretary of State Pompeo is the highest-level US dignitary to visit Sri Lanka during the tenure of US President Donald Trump. Sri Lanka is part of an Asian tour undertaken by the US Secretary of State covering three other countries.
Foreign Ministry
Colombo
28 October 2020
PRESS STATEMENT OF HON. DINESH GUNAWARDENA FOREIGN MINISTER AT THE JOINT PRESS EVENT WITH HON. MICHAEL POMPEO, US SECRETARY OF STATE
Hon Michael Pompeo, Secretary of State,
Hon Tharaka Balasuriya, State Minister
Madam Ambassador,
Members of the Delegation
Mr. Secretary Firstly I wish to welcome you and your delegation to Sri Lanka in this warm and pleasant weather amidst your busy schedule.
Tomorrow, the 29th of October 2020 marks the significant milestone of the 72nd anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Sri Lanka, then Ceylon, and the United States of America.
So indeed is a very important day and a visit Secretary of State that you have taken to be with us.
For over seven decades, our two countries have nurtured a strong relationship, founded on shared values of democracy and Socio-economic orientation. The relations between our peoples go back to mid 1800s, pre-dating the formal establishment of diplomatic relations. Over the years, this engagement has significantly matured into a multifaceted relationship, covering political, economic, educational, cultural and defence spheres including maritime matters. Equally important, the People to People interactions between our two nations.
In this context, it gives me immense pleasure in extending to you, my esteemed counterpart from the United States, Hon. Michael Pompeo, warm and cordial welcome to Sri Lanka. The fact that you have chosen to visit Sri Lanka, despite formidable challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic; dedicating your time and sharing your insight; is heart-warming Excellency.
FOREIGN SECRETARY COLOMBAGE SPEAKS OF GROWING INDIAN OCEAN IMPORTANCE
Foreign Secretary Prof. Jayanath Colombage highlighted the growing importance of the Indian Ocean for global trade, and global security on Hyde Park, Ada Derana on 24 October 2020.
He also spoke of the 'Sri Lanka First' policy and maintaining the non-aligned stance and neutrality.
Full interview at: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=apUiG0mqr5M
ADDRESS BY GUEST OF HONOUR, HON DINESH GUNAWARDENA, FOREIGN MINISTER AT “SHAPING OUR FUTURE TOGETHER” THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE UNITED NATIONS AND 65TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE UNITED NATIONS IN COLOMBO, VIRTUAL EVENT ON 23 OCTOBER 2020
Hon Prime Minister,
Hon Minister of Youth and Sports
Her Excellency the UN Resident Coordinator in Sri Lanka
Staff of the UN Country Team in Sri Lanka,
Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen
I am pleased to address you today on this historic occasion of the 75th Anniversary of the United Nations and the 65th Anniversary of the United Nations in Colombo.
The United Nations’ reaching its seventy-fifth year, demonstrates the durability of not only this organization, but also the concept of multilateralism, based on the core principles of sovereign equality of all States, respect for their territorial integrity and non-interference in their domestic affairs. The partnerships fostered between Member States and the UN continues are at their best when based on these principles.
As we are celebrating this milestone, the world is faced with the unprecedented challenge of the COVID-19 pandemic. This virus transcends national boundaries and no Member State can withstand the varied effects of the pandemic nor find solutions alone. The UN plays an important role in fostering multilateral action and mobilizing global solidarity towards addressing this scourge. Sri Lanka appreciates and supports the contributions by the UN and especially the WHO to the global response to address the multiple challenges of the pandemic.
While celebrating the 65th anniversary of Sri Lanka’s membership in the United Nations this year, Sri Lanka is pleased to have contributed significantly to the work of the United Nations, from its peacekeeping operations to its specialized agencies. Sri Lankan nationals have served with distinction in varied roles within the organization.
TEMPORARY SUSPENSION OF CONSULAR SERVICES AT THE FOREIGN MINISTRY
The Foreign Ministry has decided to suspend all services offered by the Consular Affairs Division of the Ministry until further notice, to restrict the congregation of the general public and thereby to prevent the spreading of COVID-19 Virus.
Accordingly, the Consular Affairs Division situated at the Ceylinco Building in Colombo will remain closed for visitors, including exporters who visit the Division for attestation of Export Documents, until further notice. Please note that document attestation services will also not be offered by both the Regional Consular Offices in Matara and Jaffna, until further notice.
For queries related to death cases of Sri Lankans overseas and death-related documentation assistance please contact the following;
Death Division (strictly for death matters only) -
Telephone numbers: 0776032252, 0773586433, 0718415623 and 0701428246
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Fax number: 0112446091/0112333450
Foreign Ministry
Colombo
21 October 2020
APPEAL ON THE LTTE PROSCRIPTION IN THE UK
Media Statement
The Government of Sri Lanka has been made aware of the Open Judgement by the Proscribed Organizations Appeals Commission (POAC) of the United Kingdom dated 21 October 2020.
The decision of the POAC arises from an appeal filed in May 2019 by an LTTE front organization challenging the decision of the UK Secretary of State for Home Affairs dated 8 March 2019, which refused the application by the group to de-proscribe the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) from the list of Proscribed Organizations under the UK Terrorism Act of 2000.
While the Government of Sri Lanka was not a party to these proceedings at the POAC and could not make direct representations, the Government has assisted the Government of the United Kingdom by providing relevant information with regard to continued terrorist activities.
The Open Judgement of the POAC while allowing the Appeal, provides for further hearings, and the Government of Sri Lanka will continue to closely monitor the progress of the case in the UK.
The Government of Sri Lanka has sufficient evidence to prove that the remnants of the LTTE and groups aligned with its terrorist ideology are active in foreign countries, working to incite violence and destabilize the country. Sri Lanka remains vigilant of threats to its national security as well as that of the region, and will always support members of the international community in the global fight against terrorism.
Foreign Ministry
Colombo
22 October 2020
TEMPORARY SUSPENSION OF CONSULAR SERVICES AT FOREIGN MINISTRY
The Foreign Ministry has decided to suspend all services offered by the Consular Affairs Division of the Ministry until further notice, to restrict the congregation of the general public and thereby to prevent the spreading of COVID-19 Virus.
Accordingly, the Consular Affairs Division situated at the Ceylinco Building in Colombo will remain closed for visitors until further notice, and will only accept queries related to attestation of ‘Export Document’, strictly on prior appointment basis. Appointments may be obtained at the following emergency line:
Attestation of Export Documents: Tel: +94 (011)2338812
For queries related to death cases of Sri Lankans overseas and death-related documentation assistance please contact the followings;
Telephone number: 0112323015
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Fax number : 0112446091/0112333450
Colombo
09 October 2020
ADDRESS BY FOREIGN MINISTER, DINESH GUNAWARDENA AT THE HIGH-LEVEL MEETING ON THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE 4TH WORLD CONFERENCE ON WOMEN ON 01 OCTOBER 2020
Address by Hon Dinesh Gunawardena,
Foreign Minister of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka
at the High-Level Meeting on the 25th Anniversary of
the 4th World Conference on Women
01 October 2020
Foreign Minister of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka
at the High-Level Meeting on the 25th Anniversary of
the 4th World Conference on Women
01 October 2020
Theme: “Accelerating the realization of gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls”
Opening remarks:
Mr. President,
Mr. Secretary-General,
Your Excellencies,
Distinguished Delegates,
Ladies and gentlemen,
- I am honored to represent Sri Lanka at this High-Level Meeting to commemorate the 25th Anniversary of the 4th World Conference on women.
- Undoubtedly, the Beijing Declaration and the Platform for Action, which was adopted during the 4th World Conference on Women in 1995 is a landmark global agenda for the empowerment of women. This comprehensive policy document remains relevant today as it was 25 years ago, as a source of guidance and inspiration for the advancement of women and the achievement of gender equality, globally.
- While recognizing that vital steps have been taken by the global community towards achieving gender equality and empowering women, we also acknowledge that challenges and obstacles continue to remain, impeding the socio-economic and political development of women.
- Across every sphere, from health to economy, negative impacts of COVID-19 have affected women and girls worldwide. It is therefore essential to keep gender equality and women in the forefront amidst global efforts to recover from this pandemic.
Mr. President,
- Historically, Sri Lanka has demonstrated its commitment and political will to promote, gender equality and the empowerment of women, being cognizant of their invaluable contribution to the social and economic development of the country.
- It is very encouraging to note that the women in Sri Lanka, comprising more than half of our population, have achieved social development indicators such as literacy rates, social inclusion and life expectancy, which are on par with the developed countries.
- I am very proud to acknowledge the achievements of women in my country, who play a significant role in every sphere. Sri Lankan women were granted voting rights (universal franchise) in 1931. Sri Lanka produced the first female Prime Minister in the world in 1960.Sri Lankan women have continued to hold several high-ranking positions in the country as Members of Parliament and local Government, Secretaries to Ministries, Heads of Diplomatic Missions, and the Judiciary. Women represent half of the working population in the country and excel in higher education. Their contribution to the national economy is very significant. Women represent 34.5% of the labour force while 39% of expatriate work force consists of women.
Mr. President,
- The Government, headed by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, who has received an overwhelming mandate by the Sri Lankan people, is committed to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), among which the fifth Goal is to “achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls.”
- In our Government’s National Policy Framework (“Vistas of Prosperity and Splendour”), 10 key policy areas have been identified to achieve a fourfold outcome of ‘a productive citizenry, a contented family, a disciplined and just society and a prosperous nation’. In this framework, priority has been given to gender-based equality, empowerment of women and minimization of gender-based violence.
- In line with the above policy framework, the Government will facilitate and ensure the contribution of Sri Lankan women to the betterment of our society as an equal player, in an environment where women will make their own decisions and will be free to reach their aspirations and will not be subject to any violence or discrimination.
- In this context, Sri Lanka fully supports the theme of this meeting, i.e. “Accelerating the realization of gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls.”
- In conclusion, Sri Lanka reaffirms its commitment the realization of gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls, which should be our shared commitment towards a inclusive and sustainable development.
- I wish to conclude by quoting the theme of this year’s International Women’s Day in Sri Lanka, which is, “Woman’s Courage- Nation’s Strength.”
Thank you.
The video link to the statement : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tg50XWn1WOg
STATEMENT BY H.E. GOTABAYA RAJAPAKSA, PRESIDENT OF THE DEMOCRATIC SOCIALIST REPUBLIC OF SRI LANKA AT THE UN SUMMIT ON BIODIVERSITY, 30 SEPTEMBER 2020
More Articles...
- VIRTUAL BILATERAL SUMMIT BETWEEN PRIME MINISTER OF SRI LANKA H.E. MAHINDA RAJAPAKSA AND PRIME MINISTER OF INDIA H.E. SHRI NARENDRA MODI
- FOREIGN MINISTER DINESH GUNAWARDENA LEADS THE SRI LANKA DELEGATION TO THE INFORMAL MEETING OF SAARC COUNCIL OF MINISTERS
- STATEMENT BY H.E. GOTABAYA RAJAPAKSA, PRESIDENT OF THE DEMOCRATIC SOCIALIST REPUBLIC OF SRI LANKA AT THE GENERAL DEBATE OF THE 75TH SESSION OF THE UNGA, 22 SEPTEMBER 2020
- VIRTUAL SUMMIT BETWEEN PRIME MINISTER RAJAPAKSA AND PRIME MINISTER MODI ON 26 SEPTEMBER
Page 10 of 76