First anniversary of inauguration in office of the President

January 8, 2016

The first anniversary of the inauguration in office of His Excellency Maithripala Sirisena was celebrated at the High Commission on the morning of 8th January, with the participation of religious dignitaries representing Buddhist, Hindu, Christian and Islam faiths, and representatives of Sri Lanka Associations based in Canberra.

The Chief Prelate of the Canberra Buddhist Vihara and religious dignitaries representing the Hindu, Christian and Islam faiths invoked blessings on the President, Government and the people of Sri Lanka, as well as the High Commission staff and Sri Lankan community in Canberra.

In welcoming those present, the High Commissioner said “we come into this world as equals. We leave it as equals. Why then should the interim be treated differently?”

He then quoted Lord Buddha’s saying “Lokah Samathah Sukhina Bhavanthu” and observed that His Excellency the President’s vision for Sri Lanka and all its people was also the same and emphasised our collective responsibility to contribute sincerely and meaningfully towards it.

The religious blessing was followed by the planting of two trees in the Mission premises, to the chanting of pirith.

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

January 8, 2016

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.

Your visit, Minister Brende, comes at a very propitious time. As Sri Lankans are preparing to celebrate the first anniversary of the Sirisena Presidency and the new political trajectory that Sri Lanka undertook one year ago.

As Sri Lanka embarks on this new path, we are encouraged that we have been able to gain the support and confidence of the international community after years of censure and isolation. You are coming to Sri Lanka at a time when Sri Lanka is trying to come to terms with its past and to forge ahead. The domestic mechanisms through which we are trying to address this past, are in the process of being developed and the consultation process to design these mechanisms, will begin next week. Also on Saturday a special session of Parliament will form a constitutional council, a committee consisting of the whole Parliament, which will begin the serious business of consulting the people and drafting a new constitution for Sri Lanka that reflects the aspirations of all Sri Lankans.

Economic and Social Development are key priorities of this Government. Minister Brende and I discussed expanding Norwegian development assistance, especially technical assistance for the fisheries sector and solar power generation.

In addition, we explored the possibility of expanding Norwegian investment in Sri Lanka, both through portfolio and foreign direct investment.

I am confident that regular high level interaction at all levels will pave the way for a stronger relationship between Norway and Sri Lanka, which in turn will benefit our countries and our people.

Later today, Minister Brende will call on President Maithripala Sirisena and hold discussions with Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe.

I wish Minister Brende and his delegation a very pleasant stay in Sri Lanka.

Thank you.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Colombo

7th January 2016

Christmas celebrated at the Sri Lanka High Commission in Canberra

December 22, 2015

The Sri Lanka High Commission celebrated Christmas on Friday 18th December with a religious blessing followed by carols sung in Sinhala, Tamil and English. The simple ceremony brought together a considerable number of Sri Lankan Australians despite the holiday season. The religious blessing was conducted by Reverend Dr Brian Douglas of St Paul’s Rectory in Manuka, who highlighted the meaning of Christmas and prayed for reconciliation in Sri Lanka.

High Commissioner Somasundaram Skandakumar emphasised the significance of love, peace and harmony that go hand in hand with the spirit of Christmas, and their relevance to Sri Lanka. The Tamil and Sinhala Christmas carols were performed by members of the two communities while the lyrics were made available to all participants who wished to join in.

During the reception that followed many participants conveyed their appreciation to the High Commission for organising the event, and the active participation by all communities.

Sri Lanka High Commission
Canberra

22 December 2015

First Round of Senior Officials’ Talks between Sri Lanka and Australia concludes in Colombo

December 21, 2015

The First Round of Senior Officials’ Talks between Sri Lanka and Australia was held on 16 December 2015 at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Colombo.

The Senior Officials’ Talks between the two countries served as the first formal process to comprehensively review the bilateral relationship spanning over six decades. The talks broadly focused on bilateral trade, investment and economic diplomacy, development partnership, Sri Lanka’s reconciliation process, including regional and multilateral issues. Identifying new areas of cooperation under Australia’s future development assistance priorities for Sri Lanka and the Sri Lankan Government’s new policies for growth and development, both sides agreed to further build on the added momentum in the bilateral partnership, follow-up on the discussions and regularly review progress.
The next Senior Officials’ Talks will be held in the first quarter of 2017.

The Australian delegation was led by Mr. Ric Wells, Deputy Secretary of Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Sri Lanka delegation by Mr. Ranjith Uyangoda, Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The Australian delegation also included H.E. Ms. Robyn Mudie, Australia’s High Commissioner to Sri Lanka and the Maldives, Mr. Tim Huggins, Deputy High Commissioner, Mr. Jonathan Muir, Director (Sri Lanka and Maldives), Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and representatives of Austrade. On the Sri Lankan side, representatives of the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Agriculture, Higher Education and Highways, Law & Order and Southern Development, Sports, Finance, Rehabilitation, Resettlement and Hindu Religious Affairs, Defense, including the Board of Investment, Sri Lanka Export Development Board, Sri Lanka Tea Board, Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka, National Livestock Development Board, Department of Commerce, Road Development Authority and Sri Lankan Airlines participated.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Colombo

17 December 2015

Introduction by Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera to Speech by Amb. Thomas Shannon at Lakshman Kadirgamar Institute

December 18, 2015

Introduction by Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera
to Speech by Ambassador Thomas A. Shannon Jr.
Lakshman Kadirgamar Institute
16 December 2015

Ambassador Thomas A. Shannon Jr.,
Under-Secretary-of-State nominee for Political Affairs

Excellencies,

Executive Director and Members of the Board of the Lakshman Kadirgamar Institute for International Relations and Strategic Studies,

Distinguished guests,

Ladies & Gentlemen,

I have the honour, as Chairman of the Board of the Lakshman Kadirgamar Institute for International Relations and Strategic Studies, to introduce a very special person who is in our midst here today, our guest speaker, Ambassador Thomas A. Shannon Jr.

Ambassador Shannon is the senior-most career United States Foreign Service Officer and just the 14th in history to rise to the role of Under-Secretary-of State for Political Affairs.

In December 2013, Secretary Kerry appointed Ambassador Shannon as Counselor of the Department, only the 7th Foreign Service Officer to hold the position of Counselor since World War II, and the first in 32 years.

From 2003 to 2005, he served as the special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for Western Hemisphere Affairs at the National Security Council.

This is just a glimpse of the vast experience that Ambassador Shannon brings to his job. I am sure that to all the staff at the Department of State, it must truly be an inspiration to work with someone so knowledgeable and with such rich and broad experience.

As you all know, this has been a milestone year in US – Sri Lanka relations, and Ambassador Shannon’s visit follows a series of important visits from the US including two members of President Obama’s Cabinet: the Secretary of State, H.E. John Kerry, and Ambassador Samantha Power.

You would recall that Secretary Kerry, during his visit in May this year, announced that the US and Sri Lanka will establish a Partnership Dialogue. At our discussions on Monday evening, Ambassador Shannon and I decided that the Partnership Dialogue will be launched in Washington DC in February 2016. This is a remarkable development in relations between our two countries that will institutionalize the renewal of our centuries-old friendship. And I am happy that our Partnership Dialogue will benefit from Ambassador Shannon’s wisdom and experience.

“The Partnership between Sri Lanka and the United States” is what Ambassador Shannon has chosen as the topic for today.

I know that all of you hear me often almost on a daily basis on television and radio and read what I have said sometimes quoted correctly, and sometimes wrong. I will spare you now from having to listen to me further and invite our guest speaker, Ambassador Thomas Shannon to speak to you on ‘The Partnership between Sri Lanka and the United States’.

I am sure that his thoughts will be a precursor and a guide to broadening and deepening both people-to-people contact and government-to-government relations between our two countries.

Ambassador Shannon, the floor is yours…….

“The Partnership between Sri Lanka and the United States”
Speech byU.S. Under Secretary of State (designate) Amb. Thomas Shannon
atthe Lakshman Kadirgamar Institute of International Relations and Strategic Studies.
16 December 2015

Good morning, and to all of you Ayubowan, Vanakkam. Thank you for being here. It’s a tremendous honor and a great pleasure to be here today.

Thank you, Mr. Minister, for your very kind introduction. To be at this respected institute, named in honor of the late and great Lakshman Kadirgamar, and an institute dedicated to the study of Sri Lanka’s strategic interests, is the right place to be today to talk to all of you, about the partnership between the United States and Sri Lanka.

Few understood the strategic interests of Sri Lanka better than Kadirgamar, who was an accomplished international civil servant, and an unparalleled expert on foreign affairs – appointed three times as foreign minister. It has been nearly 10 years since his assassination, but his vision of a united, inclusive, and peaceful Sri Lanka is becoming more real by the day.

Minister Kadirgamar knew it would not be easy. In his own words he said “it’s not a question of pulling a rabbit out of a hat. Peace is not going to be manufactured instantly. Peace is a long road and a hard process.”

But your nation’s journey down that long road is well underway. In January, and again in August, the world witnessed your resolve to move beyond the acrimony of the past and towards a future that is inclusive, peaceful, just, democratic, and prosperous.
Sri Lanka is an example of the power of citizens to reinvigorate their democracy, to retake control – through the ballot box – of their country’s trajectory, and to set a course to a brighter future. We now look to Sri Lanka to also provide inspiration to others around the world, to show them how justice and compassion can overcome a difficult past and help create a stable and prosperous future, and strengthen a nation’s security, prosperity, and prestige.

The United States wants to see a strong Sri Lanka, one that is a leader in the international community, contributing to the global economy, promoting human rights, justice, and democracy abroad, and helping to uphold international law. With its entrepreneurial people, abundant resources, and strategic location, Sri Lanka is uniquely positioned to do so.

Indeed, this beautiful building’s history is itself a reflection of Sri Lanka’s strategic position: before being transferred to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs by the Sri Lankan Navy, it was owned by the British Board of Trade and then housed a branch of the Imperial Lighthouse Service.

And the maritime importance of Sri Lanka, as you know, stretches far back into history. Ships from ancient Greece, Rome, Arabia, and China sailed through Sri Lankan waters and docked at its ports.

Yesterday, I was in Trincomalee and took a tour of Fort Frederick, which the Portuguese built nearly 400 years ago, and which was long a site of strategic rivalry between European powers. The Portuguese soon lost it to the Dutch, and it then changed hands with the French several times before the British captured it in 1795, fortifying and defending it through two World Wars until 1948, the year that Sri Lanka gained independence. Trincomalee is still one of the world’s finest natural deep-water ports, and its beautiful city has tremendous growth potential.

I would add that I also visited the Temple at the top of Fort Fredrick and I was struck by the power of faith and the resilience of faith. One that overcame the years of conquest and subjugation and showed the ability of the Sri Lankan people through its faithfulness. Let me put it this way – it was humbling for me to be in such a place and recognize that a commitment to a faith was at the end of the day able to overcome so many years of conflict.

While I was in Trincomalee, I also toured an ice factory that’s partly funded by USAID, and helps small-scale fisherman preserve their daily catch. But before it had factories to make ice, Sri Lanka had to import it. And, believe it or not, it was in the early 1800s that an entrepreneur from Boston, Massachusetts, started shipping blocks of ice – cut from frozen New England ponds – all the way to Colombo.

In fact, our countries have a long and fruitful history of commercial relations, going back centuries.

As far back as 1789, whaling and merchant ships from the United States began to visit Sri Lankan harbors. By the end of the 19th century, U.S.-Sri Lankan trade ties were thriving: we imported goods like pearls, graphite, and tea, and exported glassware, kerosene, and medicine. Today, the United States is Sri Lanka’s largest single-country market, accounting for over 20 percent of your exports in 2014, worth nearly two and a half billion U.S. dollars.

As I flew into Colombo two days ago, I saw below me the busiest port in South Asia and one of the top 30 in the world – an operation that moves over five million containers every year. And that number, I predict, is only going to go up.

Your nation sits at the crossroads of Africa, South Asia, and East Asia. By the middle of this century, economists predict that Asia will account for 50 percent of the world’s GDP. Over the next few decades, the supply and demand generated by the billions of people who call this region home will become increasingly central to the world economy and to global stability. We share your vision of Sri Lanka as a hub for trade and investment, and support this effort through our Indo-Pacific Economic Corridor initiative.

Our wonderful U.S. Ambassador here, my good friend Atul, has recounted to me his amazement at seeing, from the old Dutch fort in Galle, the countless ships that sail past Sri Lanka along the sea lanes between the Straits of Hormuz and Malacca. Forty percent of all seaborne oil passes through the former, and half the world’s merchant fleet capacity sails through the latter. To put it simply, stability and prosperity of the entire world is dependent on the stability of these vital energy and trade routes. And Sri Lanka is at the center of this.

Through your relationships with other nations and active engagement in multilateral organizations, including, for example, the Indian Ocean Rim Association – where, it’s worth noting, Minister Kadirgamar once held a position – you can help lead regional efforts to strengthen economic ties and support maritime security and safety.

In the decades ahead, the economics, politics, and security of the Indian Ocean region will be a central focus of the world. We are hopeful Sri Lanka will continue to contribute to the development of a regional consciousness – one that promotes the values of democratic governance and respect for human rights, freedom of navigation, sustainable development, and environmental stewardship.

You have already accomplished much: ratifying the UN protocol to combat human trafficking, as well as supporting civil society through your voice and vote at the U.N., and, importantly, agreeing to host next year’s Asia-Pacific consultations for the Special Rapporteur of the UN Human Rights Commission. By these actions, you have demonstrated a commitment to improving human rights not just within Sri Lanka, but throughout the world.

Your military has also demonstrated regional leadership – you were one of the first nations to arrive in Nepal with critical relief supplies after its terrible earthquake this past April. Members of your Engineering Corps cleared several kilometers of roads, allowing for ambulances and relief materials to reach areas devastated by that disaster.
The need for these efforts will only increase as your region grapples with the impact of climate change and an increase in extreme weather events. The United States looks forward to working with Sri Lanka to help strengthen our abilities to provide humanitarian assistance and respond to natural disasters.

Your armed forces are also stepping up to contribute to global security challenges, sending peacekeepers to some of the world’s toughest spots – including Lebanon, the Central African Republic, and South Sudan. We welcomed President Sirisena’s pledge of several additional vetted battalions at the recent peacekeeping summit of world leaders, and we look forward to working with you to ensure future participation reflects the best of Sri Lanka’s professionalism and honor.

The United States welcomes all of these efforts, and we believe that your armed forces can also play a constructive role in ensuring a bright future. As the resolution that we co-sponsored at the Human Rights Council stated: “a credible accountability process for those most responsible for violations and abuses will safeguard the reputation of those, including within the military, who conducted themselves in an appropriate manner with honor and professionalism.” We strongly support these statements, and are willing partners to help you implement them.

As Secretary Kerry and Ambassador Power both made clear during their visits to your country: we have long worked with Sri Lanka to help it further strengthen democratic institutions, reconcile multi-ethnic and religious communities, and accelerate economic growth.

We are now working to expand trade flows, increase foreign direct investment, and, together, show the world the bright possibilities of Sri Lanka’s future.
We are forging partnerships with the private sector, especially in under-developed regions.

We are supporting small- and medium-sized enterprises in creating jobs, promoting investment, and improving the business climate. Those initiatives help provide the financial assistance, tools, training, and market access that can help bring economic stability to all Sri Lankans, including war widows, the disabled, resettled families, and ex-combatants.
We are working with Sri Lanka’s economic ministries to help ensure competitive and transparent procurement processes.

We are helping to improve law enforcement capabilities and support anti-corruption task forces that seek to uncover and prosecute large-scale financial fraud, breach of trust, misuse of public funds, and money-laundering crimes.
The partnership between Sri Lanka and the United States continues to grow, and with Sri Lanka’s continued progress, we plan to expand and strengthen our relationship in the years to come.

In fact, one big reason I came here this week was to spend some time with my friend, Minister Samaraweera, who, to my great honor, will lead Sri Lanka’s participation for the first U.S.-Sri Lanka Partnership Dialogue. When we meet for this dialogue in February in Washington, D.C. – and I am sorry about that sir, it is the coldest time of the year – our discussions will be organized around four main pillars.

First – governance, development cooperation, and people-to-people ties. That will include everything from steps on justice and reconciliation to educational exchanges.
Second – economic cooperation, including topics like women’s empowerment, investment climate, and clean energy.

Third – security cooperation, in particular peacekeeping and security-sector reform, to support Sri Lanka’s military preparedness to address current and future challenges.
And fourth – international and regional affairs, including efforts to combat climate change and ensure maritime security.

As we continue planning for this inaugural dialogue, both the Foreign Minister and I will have much more to share with you about the details and what we hope to accomplish.

But as you can see, our partnership spans virtually all fields of endeavor, and the people of both our nations can expect to reap the benefits.
After having seen the tremendous potential of this island nation, I know that the future holds great promise.

The United States will work with you to achieve that promise – we are with you as a fellow democracy, as a longtime friend, and as a strong and dedicated partner.
Across my 31 years in the United States Foreign Service, I have worked in many countries in transition. From Central America, to Colombia to South Africa, I have seen countries grapple, with the kind of conflict Sri Lanka has faced. I have seen these countries grapple with the problems of reconciliation, of transitional justice, of social and economic development.

I can tell you that while Sri Lankans look out into the world and try to find examples or experiences that might be relevant to Sri Lanka, I can assure that your success here will make Sri Lanka a reference point for the rest of the world. And for those countries that are facing conflicts today, in the Middle-East, in Africa and elsewhere, if you get deeper into this century and people look for a model of reconciliation, when people look for hope in dark moments, Sri Lanka will be the point of reference.

What you are dealing with here has global consequence. I recognize that it is important to Sri Lanka, I recognize that it is a work in progress, I recognize that there is much to be done but I can assure you the solidarity of the world with Sri Lanka is strong, the solidarity for the United States with Sri Lanka is strong. We want you to be successful, for your own benefit, for our benefit and for the benefit of the world. So I congratulate you all, I thank you for your patience today and listening to me and I am delighted to be here and I look forward to coming back.

Thank you very much.

Religious Blessing to mark Christmas

December 18, 2015

Remarks to Media by Hon. Mangala Samaraweera, Minister of Foreign Affairs on Human Rights Day

December 14, 2015

Remarks to Media by Hon. Mangala Samaraweera, Minister of Foreign Affairs
on Human Rights Day
Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 10th December 2015

Ladies & Gentleman,

Today is Human Rights Day, as you know. And as in the past, Sri Lanka will join the countries of the world in commemorating this important event. But this year, Sri Lanka’s commemorations will not only be symbolic – it will also be substantive. So I am very pleased to announce that Sri Lanka’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, will today, this morning in New York, in fact, will be signing the International Convention on Enforced Disappearances.

As you are aware, Sixty-seven years ago, in 1948, as the world was recovering from the unspeakable horrors of the Second World War, delegates from around the world convened to adopt the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, affirming every person’s right to liberty, equality, and justice under the law.

In commemorating that event, 10th December, is celebrated internationally as ‘Human Rights Day’.

This year’s Human Rights Day, internationally, will be marked by the launch of a year-long campaign to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the two International Covenants on Human Rights: the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which were adopted by the UN General Assembly on the 16th of December 1966.

The campaign titled “Our Rights. Our Freedoms. Always.”, revolves around the theme of rights and freedoms – freedom of speech, freedom of worship, freedom from want, and freedom from fear.

And Today is a special day for us in Sri Lanka as well. It is the first Human Rights Day since the January 8th Presidential election and Rainbow Revolution and the launch of an era of consensus-based politics under the leadership of President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe.

As you know, during the last decade or so, in Sri Lanka, human rights were always spoken as an alien concept. The universal values of democracy, human rights and the rule of law were made out to be alien concepts or western values as the previous government called it and they used to say it’s western values and infringing on our country’s sovereignty.

But, on the 8th of January, we changed all that. The people of this country, upholding the best traditions of democracy, used the power of the ballot to vote for change and through that ballot, t he people of Sri Lanka acknowledged that each and every human being, not only in this country, but all over the world, irrespective of race, creed, gender or income level – are bound by common and inalienable rights that we all share as human beings. By just this singular act alone, Sri Lanka took the world by surprise and captured the attention of the world community. By repeating this feat on the 17th of August again, the people of this country, together with the Government, have undertaken to travel on the path of establishing good governance, rule of law, and human rights, including taking steps for reconciliation, and non-recurrence – which we believe are essential ingredients if Sri Lanka is to achieve durable peace, security, sustainable development and prosperity for all.

So it was in this background, that just last night, the Cabinet of Ministers, in keeping with the mandate and vision of our Government to promote and protect the human rights of all citizens and ensure non-recurrence, took an extremely important and decisive step to sign the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance, which demonstrates the seriousness of which the Government considers this issue. In keeping with this decision taken last night, Sri Lanka’s Permanent Representative in New York will today, I believe this morning in New York, will sign this Convention. In fact, the Cabinet of Ministers also authorised the Legal Draftsman to undertake the drafting of necessary legislation to give effect to the provisions of the Convention, and the ratification of the Convention once enabling legislation is passed by Parliament, which we hope to do in January next year.

In fact, we all know that this is an issue that has plagued and pained our nation for long years. All, irrespective of race, religion, language or geographic location, have been affected by this crime for several decades, even in situations that are unrelated to conflict or unrest. The criminalization of enforced disappearance will provide protection to each and every citizen of this country and will help ensure that the terror of the White Van culture does not reign in our society ever again.

We must also remember that the alleged opposition between security and human rights is also a false one. The right to life, the right to live without fear, the right to seek the protection of the law are all human rights. But so is the right to freedom, the right to non-discrimination and the right of self-expressions. These rights, for the most part, complement rather than contradict each other. And where there is a tension, the rights need to be balanced to ensure that each and every citizen can live a flourishing and full life.

And as a Government, we are dedicated to strengthen the human rights of all, strengthen the rule of law and the national Human Rights Commission.

And, we all know that there can be no lasting peace, no prosperity in our land unless all enjoy freedom and justice as equals. Therefore, we must, as a nation, dedicate ourselves, to not resort, as in the past, to defending the human rights ‘records’ of our Governments but to instead stand up always to defend human rights as a mature and responsible nation. Stand up, speak and act at all times in defence of the human rights of all our citizens. This, I believe, is in our own interest as a nation and there is no need to be defensive about granting to our people, the rights which are due to them. There is no need to fear having a frank and honest dialogue with human rights defenders and UN Special Procedures or our bilateral partners. Engagement makes us stronger. President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe have shown us the way. This is not a partisan issue. Strengthening human rights must receive the support of all, including all in Parliament. Related legislation must not mistakenly be viewed as partisan. Human rights is something that must be considered at a supranational level. Upholding rights, putting in place due legislation, strengthening the rule of law, establishing the independence of related institutions including the judiciary will benefit all, each and every individual, beyond party politics, beyond race, religion or creed.

Upholding human rights at home, I feel, also enables us to credibly point towards injustice and oppression in the world. In fact, Sri Lanka was once a country that was able to call on the world’s conscience – raising issues that affected the populations of the entire developing world on the world stage. If we are to regain that position and act as a voice and inspiration for others around the world, we must ensure that human rights at home are protected and secure.

Thank you.

Common values are important and not the power of wealth – President Sirisena tells Commonwealth

November 30, 2015

President Maithripala Sirisena said he is fully satisfied with the accomplishment of goals set at the last Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Colombo and during the period of the last two years, when Sri Lanka was the Chair in Office of the Commonwealth.

Addressing the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Malta yesterday, on November 27, the President said that there was progress made in areas such as poverty eradication, promotion of trade, sustainable development, involvement of youth in development activities, growth, equality and dignity of the citizens. The President said that he was extremely happy that the Queen attended the Summit and praised her great leadership.

The President pointed out the issues such as sustainability development greatly emphasized during the CHOGM in Colombo in 2013, have been raised subsequently in the United Nations and the President highlighted that what is important is common values and not the power of wealth. He emphasized the imperative need to achieve growth, equality and dignity for the people and emphasized the need for greater protection of the environment.

Referring to the Kotte Statement issued during the CHOGM 2013 in Colombo, he categorically stated the need to enhance trade initiatives to expand private sector engagement in trade and economic activity.

President Sirisena praised the work of the outgoing Secretary General Kamalesh Sharma and thanked him for the excellent support and cooperation extended to him as Chair in Office. He offered best wishes to the Chair in Office, Malta Premier Joseph Muscat.

The text of the Address of the President at the Opening ceremony of CHOGM 2015 follows below:-

Your Majesty Queen Elizabeth,
Honorable Joseph Muscat – Prime Minister of Malta,
Honorable Kamalesh Sharma – Secretary General of Commonwealth,
Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen.

I am very pleased for this opportunity to address you as the out-going Chairman of the Commonwealth. I am extremely happy for the participation of Her Majesty the Queen Elizabeth, whom we all acknowledge as the Head of the Commonwealth and a great leader for us in the Commonwealth.

Excellencies, Ladies and gentlemen,

Sri Lanka is a founding member of the Commonwealth, and we are very pleased about its growth over the past few years.

The influence of the Commonwealth has helped to guide the political and social behavior of all our members. The common values we share bind us together, and, not the power or the wealth of the member States.

Two years ago when we met in Sri Lanka we agreed that achieving growth with equity and inclusivity must be the main concerns of the Commonwealth.

We also noted that promoting Sustainable Development will require intensified efforts both nationally and internationally. I am further pleased to note that the United Nations also has given priority to Sustainable Development Goals, meaning, integrating our efforts with the United Nations.

We recognized that young people today are the foundation for a prosperous tomorrow. Therefore we conveyed our abiding interest in our younger generation by adopting the Magampura Declaration of Commitment to Young People.

We welcomed the establishment of the Commonwealth Youth Council and Sri Lanka was pleased to host the first Commonwealth Youth Council Meeting.

The Commonwealth is the home to a population of over two billion people. A majority of them live in developing, and least developed member countries. Uplifting their living standards should be our short term goal, medium term goal and long term goal. We recognize that trade and investment play an important role in employment generation, poverty reduction and advancing economic prosperity. Support for value addition industries, instead of raw material sales by our countries, should receive greater attention.

The Kotte Statement that we issued at the Colombo Summit reiterated our commitment to promote Commonwealth investment flows and private sector engagements. This is the demand from our developing country friends and their economies.

As the outgoing Chair we are satisfied when we look back on the work that has been accomplished during the past two years. I thank all Commonwealth Heads of Government for their support and help during my term as the Chair in Office.

We gratefully acknowledge the contribution made by Secretary General Honorable Kamalesh Sharma and the support he and his staff extended to the Commonwealth, personally to me, my Government and the people of Sri Lanka.

Finally, I congratulate Malta as our host and as the Commonwealth Chair in Office for next two years. I convey my heartfelt best wishes to the Honourable Prime Minister and the friendly people of Malta, and thank them for the excellent arrangements made for our ongoing meeting.

Thank you.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Colombo

28 November 2015

Foreign Minister Samaraweera signs agreement for creation of Commonwealth Trade Finance Fund for Small States

November 29, 2015

Foreign Minister MangalaSamaraweera together with the Foreign Ministers of India, Malta and Mauritius signed a Declaration of Intent for the creation of a Commonwealth Trade Finance Facility to assist boost trade and investment flows, particularly for small and developing countries in Malta on 26th November 2015.

The voluntary fund hopes to attract start-up capital of $20 million and will provide member countries facing trade challenges with the finance they need to increase their trade capacity. It is estimated for every dollar invested, the fund will generate $20.The Facility, structured as a guarantee fund, will cover risk for providers of trade credit in financial institutions of Commonwealth countries. It seeks to stimulate lending by major banks to smaller banks in member states and reduce risk.

Sri Lanka was one of the four countries that signed the declaration as anchor investors and has contributed to set up the facility.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Colombo

27 November 2015

Invest in East 2016: Second International Investor Forum for Eastern Sri Lanka

November 24, 2015

The Chief Ministry of the Eastern Province of Sri Lanka will be organising for the second time, a special Investment Promotion Forum for the Eastern Province on 28th of January 2016. The Forum will be a collaborative initiative with the Ministries and Agencies mandated with Investment Promotion and Economic Development of the Central Government.

The theme if the Forum is “Creating Conducive Environment for Investments and Employment Creation”, especially in the post conflict development context.

The Forum is expected to attract wide participation from both local and foreign stakeholders. A number of project proposals have been compiled in preparation of the Forum in areas covering agriculture, animal husbandry, fishing, tourism and small industries, and will be made available to potential investors attending the Forum. Sector specific investment promotion materials will also be available promoting the opportunities in the Province.

Speakers at the Forum will include Government officials, captains of Industry, tourism operators, corporate bodies, business associations and many other interest groups and individuals.

The Forum is aimed at improving the investment climate and to further encourage the inflow of domestic and foreign investment into the economy of the region.The formation and promotion of brand “Invest in East” to the world, particularly to the Sri Lankan diaspora is also a key objective.

For further details of the Forum and registration, please contact:

TRINCOMALEE  OFFICE      
Mr. Samantha Abeywickrama
Tel: +94-26 2-226-059

COLOMBO OFFICE
Ms. Thilakarani Fernando
Tel: +94-11-2-300-488

Fax. +94-11-2-303-318         Email: info@investineast.lk