Speech delivered by Sec Defence at the 2013 GALLE DIALOGUE Emerging Maritime Trends in the Indian Ocean on 25th November 2013 at the Lighthouse Hotel in Galle

November 26, 2013

I am honoured to deliver this keynote address at the opening session of the fourth annual “Galle Dialogue”. On behalf of the Government, I take this opportunity to welcome to Sri Lanka the many distinguished foreign speakers and delegates at this conference. I also extend my best wishes to the many illustrious Sri Lankan participants at this event. The Galle Dialogue is fast becoming an important fixture in the calendar of international maritime conferences, as shown by the fact that speakers and delegates from 35 countries are taking part in this event. As with the recently concluded Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, this is a very positive indication of Sri Lanka’s increasing stature in international affairs since the dawn of peace four years ago. This is something about which all Sri Lankans are justly proud. Read More »

Address by H.E. the President Mahinda Rajapaksa at the Inauguration of the Commonwealth Business Forum 2013

November 26, 2013

CBF SPEECH-PresidentMahindaRajapaksa-CBF-OpeningCeremony-Colombo-ENG

Address by H.E. the President Mahinda Rajapaksa at the Inauguration of the Commonwealth Youth Forum 2013

November 26, 2013

SPEECH-PresidentMahindaRajapaksa-CYF-OpeningCeremony-Hambantota-ENG

Address by H.E. the President Mahinda Rajapaksa at the Inauguration of the Commonwealth Peoples Forum 2013

November 26, 2013

SPEECH-PresidentMahindaRajapaksa-CPF-OpeningCeremony-Galle-ENG

President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s opening remarks at the press conference (Nov 14)

November 26, 2013

TEXT-President-Rajapaksa-Pre-CHOGM-2013-I

Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting Opening Ceremony: speech by Commonwealth Secretary-General Kamalesh Sharma

November 26, 2013

News 13-CHOGM Opening Ceremony speech by Commonwealth Secretary-General Kamalesh Sharma

Address by President of Sri Lanka, H.E. Mahinda Rajapaksa at the opening ceremony of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting 2013

November 26, 2013

SPEECH-HE-President-of-SriLanka-CHOGM2013-Opening-Ceremony-ENG

Address by Australian Prime Minister, Hon Tony Abbot to Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting Opening Ceremony 2013

November 26, 2013

View Speech (Source: http://www.pm.gov.au)

Welcome speech by President of Sri Lanka, H.E. Mahinda Rajapaksa at the Sports Breakfast of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) 2013

November 26, 2013

SPEECH-HE-President-of-SriLanka-CHOGM2013-Sports-Breakfast

Sri Lanka – Australia partnership Foregoing Ahead

November 19, 2013

Julie Bishop, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Australia on the sidelines of the CHOGM Foreign Ministers meeting hadproductive discussions with Prof G L Peiris, in  finding solutions to curb irregular maritime arrivals to Australia.  The new Australian strategy “operation sovereign borders” was discussed with agreement by both parties to co-operate.  Foreign Minister Julie Bishop re-emphasized Australia’s gratitude for the proactive stance taken by Sri Lanka to effectively address this humanitarian challenge. 

Prof Peiris in response appreciated the Australian government’s positive engagement with Sri Lanka and the support and encouragement extended in Sri Lanka’s hosting of the CHOGM.  Amongst the other issues discussed were the optimum utilizing of AusAid for the socio-economic development of the country and further encouraging investor confidence in carving out a mutually beneficial partnership.  Australian Foreign Minister also briefed Prof Peiris on the new Colombo Plan which is expected to strengthen involvement in the Asia Pacific region in the field of education. 

Premier Tony Abbott’s visit for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Summit in Colombo was highlighted as a re-assuring factor in shaping the course for future Australia – Sri Lanka relations.  The Sri Lankan and Australian High Commissioners and the Senior Officials of the Ministries of Foreign Affairs were present at the meeting.