Address by Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunawardena at the 75th Anniversary of the United Nations

October 26, 2020

We are committed to protect and sustainably manage natural resources – President tells UN Biodiversity Summit

October 1, 2020

Statement by Sri Lanka at the Interactive Dialogue with the Assistant Secretary General for Human Rights on the report of the Secretary-General on co-operation with the United Nations

October 1, 2020

45^th Session of the Human Rights Council

Item 5: Interactive dialogue with the Assistant Secretary General for Human Rights on the report of the Secretary-General on co-operation with the United Nations, its representatives and mechanisms in the field of human rights

30 September 2020

Statement by Sri Lanka

Madam President,

The Government of Sri Lanka (GoSL) wishes to make the following observations with regard to the reference contained in the Annual Report of the Secretary-General on “Cooperation with the United Nations, its representatives and mechanisms in the field of human rights”, presented to this Council:

• With regard to alleged “intimidating visits”, “surveillance”, complaints of harassment” and “reprisals” referred to in the Report, the GoSL wishes to make an invitation to the parties concerned to make formal complaints to law enforcement authorities or to independent national institutions such as the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka or the National Police Commission, so that action can be taken to investigate the alleged incidents.

• The Government has already publicly refuted these allegations, and is committed to protecting and promoting freedom of expression and civil society space, and ensure that complaints received on alleged attacks against journalists, human rights defenders and civil society are investigated and prosecuted.

• It is also reiterated that, apart from operating routine security networks in the interest of national security, particularly after the devastating Easter Sunday terrorist attacks, the Security Forces and intelligence agencies are not engaged in monitoring any specific group of people in the country.

• We believe that, for any country compromising its national security interests amidst looming sophistication of strategies of radical and extreme elements world around, is bound to face regrettable consequences. Hence, the GoSL requests all parties to be mindful of that ground reality in this context.

Thank you, Madam President.

The ‘Irida Ayubowan’ programme telecast on Rupavahini, featuring Foreign Secretary

August 31, 2020

“Foreign Relations under President Gotabaya Rajapaksa” featuring Foreign Secretary Admiral Prof. Jayanath Colombage, which was telecast on Derana 24 Channel.

August 21, 2020

The Policy Statement made by H.E. the President at the inauguration of the first Session of the ninth Parliament

August 21, 2020

The Policy Statement made by H.E. the President at the inauguration of the first Session of the ninth Parliament (Press Release in Sinhala)/ (Press Release in Tamil)

State Minister of Regional Co-operation Tharaka Balasuriya reiterates need to strengthen relations with Asian neighbours

August 20, 2020

State Minister of Regional Co-operation Tharaka Balasuriya assumed duties at the Foreign Ministry today (19 August). The State Minister was received by Foreign Secretary Admiral (Prof.) Jayanath Colombage and other senior officials, upon his arrival at the Ministry. Religious observances were conducted to invoke blessings prior to the assumption of duties.

State Minister Balasuriya, addressing the gathering of senior officials and staff of the Ministry, following the assumption of duties, Read More »

Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunawardena assumes duties

August 18, 2020

Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunawardena assumed duties at the Foreign Ministry on Monday 17 August 2020.

Minister Gunawardena was received by Foreign Secretary Admiral Prof. Jayanath Colombage and other senior officials upon his arrival at the Ministry. Following multi-religious observances, the Minister officially assumed duties.

Later, addressing the staff, the Foreign Minister remarked that the Government is ready to rise up to the new challenges with the mandate given by the people of Sri Lanka. Read More »

New Foreign Secretary Admiral Prof. Jayanath Colombage assumes duties

August 15, 2020

Admiral Prof. Jayanath Colombage (PhD) assumed duties as the Secretary to the Foreign Ministry today (14 August) following the appointment to the position by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa.

The new Foreign Secretary Admiral Colombage was warmly received by the senior officials of the Foreign Ministry this morning, upon arrival at the Ministry.

Admiral Colombage was previously Additional Secretary to H.E the President for Foreign Relations since December 2019. Read More »

Hon. Mahinda Rajapaksa was sworn in as the 13th Prime Minister of Sri Lanka

August 9, 2020

The leader of Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) Mahinda Rajapaksa was sworn in as the 13^th Prime Minister of Sri Lanka before President Gotabaya Rajapaksa.

The swearing in ceremony took place at the historic Kelani Raja Maha Viharaya this morning (9).

Elected to the post for the fourth time, Mr. Rajapaksa served two terms as the Executive President of the country from 2005 to 2015.

Completing five decades in active politics, Mr. Rajapaksa entered Read More »