Media Release – Foreign Minister Ali Sabry addresses the High-level Segment of the 55th Session of the UN Human Rights Council

March 3, 2024

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ali Sabry urged the members of the UN Human Rights Council not to allow short-term political gains or “domestic vote bank politics” to overtake the work of the Council, when addressing the High-Level segment of the 55^th Session of the Council through a pre-recorded video statement on 27 February 2024.

Minister Sabry highlighted that despite the severe constraints faced by the country, Sri Lanka continued to engage actively and constructively with an extensive array of helpful working methods of the Council, that are productive and beneficial to the people.

The Foreign Minister reiterated Sri Lanka’s rejection of the HRC resolutions 46/1 and 51/1 and the external evidence gathering mechanism established by these resolutions, while emphasizing that such mechanisms are counterproductive and unhelpful and contradict the founding principles of the Council.

He also provided an overview of the tangible progress made by the country with regard to economic recovery, national unity and reconciliation and added that the cornerstone of this recovery lies in pragmatic policy decisions that prioritize the country’s welfare over short-term political gains. The significant progress achieved in this regard has been recognized and welcomed both locally and internationally, he stated.

While stating that the Council’s approach to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza will be another litmus test to its credibility, Minister Sabry urged the Council to prioritize depoliticization, constructive dialogue, and multilateral cooperation while avoiding double standards.

The 55^th Session of the Council takes place in Geneva from 26 February – 5 April 2024. During this Session, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights will present an oral update on Sri Lanka on 04 March 2023, as mandated by the HRC Resolution 51/1. Sri Lanka’s Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva Himalee Arunatilaka will deliver Sri Lanka’s statement as the country concerned following the oral update by the High Commissioner.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Colombo

28 February 2024

Address by Hon. Ali Sabry, Minister of Foreign Affirs of Sri Lanka – 55th Regular Session of the Human Rights Council – High-level Segment https://www.slhcaust.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Statement-en.pdf

Sri Lanka Iced Tea Tasting at the National Multicultural Festival, Canberra – 2024

March 1, 2024

The Sri Lanka High Commission in Canberra participated in the “National Multicultural
Festival 2024” in Canberra organised by the ACT government, for the second consecutive
year following the pandemic.

The Multicultural Festival which is Canberra’s largest annual event in the heart of the city
brings over 300,000 visitors to experience different cultures, cuisines & entertainments for 3
days.

The Sri Lanka High Commission hosted an ‘Iced Tea promotion and tasting’ at the
Multicultural Festival on 17 February 2024 in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Tea Board
and the ‘Dilmah Tea’. The Sri Lankan Tea stand showcased Ceylon Tea’s exceptional
quality, rich aroma, sustainable agriculture and health benefits. The range of Ceylon black tea
grown in diverse Sri Lankan climates, green tea and the Iced tea which is a new product to
Australia exhibited at the event to create awareness.

The Sri Lankan ‘Iced Tea Tasting’ was the one of the highlights of the event and attracted
many visitors as its rich flavours match with the hot summer weather in Australia.
The three-day festival which was visited by thousands of Australians from many regions in
the country as well as other visitors to celebrate culture, diversity, and international
connection of Australia.

High Commission of Sri Lanka
Canberra

28 February 2024

Sri Lanka Festival 2024

February 22, 2024

Sri Lanka President as the Keynote Speaker at the 7th Indian Ocean Conference in Perth, Australia

February 21, 2024

The 7^th Indian Ocean Conference on the theme “Towards a stable and sustainable Indian Ocean” was held in Perth, Australia from 9-10 February 2024.

President, Ranil Wickremesinghe was a special invitee to deliver the keynote speech at the inauguration.

The President’s keynote speech highlighted the Geopolitical complexities, challenges and strategies for stability and cooperation.  He also spoke of enhancing the need for connectivity, the climate change crisis and called for collaborative action to create an overarching regional architecture for the Indian Ocean region.

Foreign Minister Ali Sabry was also invited to speak at the plenary session on the “Our Blue Future”.  The Foreign Minister’s presentation touched on the blue-green economic opportunities and the need to work towards collective action on shared ocean resources.

During the conference, the Foreign Minister of Australia Penny Wong called on the President and, both leaders expressed their commitment to work towards further enhancing the bilateral links between Sri Lanka and Australia.  They shared insights on the evolving dynamics on the Indian Ocean region.

The meeting between the Indian External Affairs Minister and the President provided an opportunity for both sides to review the ongoing projects between the two countries and the way forward.

An important discussion was held when the Western Australia Premier, Roger Cook called on the President.  They focussed on the renewable energy sector, agriculture development, aviation connectivity and investment opportunities in Sri Lanka.

The President’s presence in Perth also provided an opportunity for the Honorary Consul of Sri Lanka in Western Australia to organize a meeting for the President to engage with the Sri Lanka diaspora in Western Australia.

The President conducted media interviews with WION Television, the Hindu and India Foundation.

The President made a brief inspection visit to the Honorary Consulate and was welcomed by the Honorary Consul in Western Australia, Dr. Rosh Jalagge and Staff.

The delegation to IOC included the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ali Sabry, Senior Advisor to the President of National Security and Chief of Staff Sagala Ratnayake, Sri Lanka High Commissioner to Australia, Chitranganee Wagiswara, Members of Parliament Chinthaka Mayadunne and Ishak Rahuman, International Affairs Directors Dinouk Colombage and Rishan de Silva, Private Secretary, Sandra Perera and from the Foreign Ministry Chief of Protocol, Majintha Jayasinghe, Rifa Wadood, Director, Indian Ocean and from the High Commission Deputy High Commissioner, Chamari Rodrigo and Minister Counsellor Comde S.P. Kathriarachchi.

Sri Lanka High Commission

Canberra

21/02/2024

“Foreign Soil” – Radio Programme

February 20, 2024

A radio programme on “Foreign Soil” interview with the High Commissioner will be on air on Wednesday, 21^st February 2024 at 9.45.a.m. on ABC Radio Canberra at 666.0.

Sri Lanka High Commission, Canberra

Sri Lanka Festival – 2024

February 14, 2024

Sri Lanka High Commission cordially invite you to attend the Sri Lanka Festival -2024 to be held on Saturday the 2^nd March 2024 at the Sri Lanka High Commission Premises, 61, Read More »

The High Commission of Sri Lanka in Canberra celebrates the 76th Anniversary of Independence Day of Sri Lanka

February 6, 2024

The 76^th Anniversary of Sri Lanka’s National Independence was celebrated by the Sri Lanka High Commission in Canberra on 04^th February 2024 at the High Commission premises with the participation of the Sri Lankan community in Canberra. 

The programme commenced with hoisting the national flag by Chitranganee Wagiswara, Sri Lanka High Commissioner followed by singing the national anthem. A two minute silence was observed in honour of all the national heroes and members of the armed forces who had sacrificed their lives to safeguard the sovereignty and territorial integrity of our Motherland.

Multi-faith religious observances were conducted by the clergy of all four religions offering their blessings upon Sri Lanka and its people.  Chief Incumbent of the Canberra Buddhist Vihara, Venerable Aparelle Soratha Thero conducted the Buddhist religious observances followed by Reverend Jai Shanker of Canberra Hindu Temple conducted the Hindu blessings. Mr. Al-haj Mohomed Ashroff led the Islamic religious observances and Christian prayers were delivered by Pastor Reverend Manoel Niles.

The National Day messages of the Sri Lanka President, Prime Minister, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs were read by the High Commissioner, Deputy High Commissioner and the Minister of the High Commission respectively.

Addressing the gathering, the High Commissioner stated that the political freedom alone is not sufficient for the country’s development. For true freedom the economy of Sri Lanka has to be strong.  Hence, Sri Lanka’s priority today is to focus on the reform process to have economic growth and thereby work towards a strong economy and bring about prosperity to our country and to the people.  Further she highlighted needs of three main points of the President’s message, the need to stabilise the economy of our country, the rebuilding programme in place towards economic stability and the need to learn from past mistakes and the invitation to all Sri Lankans at home and abroad to collectively contribute to rebuild the nation.

The ceremony concluded with serving of traditional Sri Lankan cuisine and invitees were enjoyed the flavours of a warm cup of Ceylon tea.

Sri Lanka High Commission

Canberra

06^th February 2024

Independennce Day Message of HE the President

February 5, 2024

Independennce Day Message of HE the President in Sinhala, Tamil & English

Foreign Minister Ali Sabry concludes his official visit to the United Kingdom

January 30, 2024

Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Sabry concluded his official visit to the United Kingdom on the invitation of the prestigious Cambridge Union and Wilberforce Society of the University of Cambridge. Foreign Minister Sabry addressed the Cambridge Union, the oldest debating society in the world on 23 January and engaged with the academic community in a discussion that touched upon Sri Lanka’s road to economic recovery. Notably, he is the only Sri Lankan to have addressed the Cambridge Union in recent history.

Foreign Minister Ali Sabry addressed the Wilberforce Society and the Lucy Cavendish Finance Society on 24 January, focusing on the accessibility of development finance across South Asia, drawing from his experiences with the IMF debt restructuring process in Sri Lanka. The Foreign Minister delved into the significant role international organisations play in shaping domestic policy-making. The address was followed by a formal dinner hosted by The Wilberforce in honour of Foreign Minister Ali Sabry at Christ’s College. Foreign Minister Sabry also engaged in discussions with the students and academia of the Sri Lanka Society of the University of Cambridge prior to his Wilberforce Society speech.

During the bilateral leg of the visit on 25 and 26 January 2024, Foreign Minister Sabry met with Minister of State (Middle East, North Africa, South Asia, United Nations and the Commonwealth) Lord Tariq Ahmad of Wimbledon, where the two sides reviewed the multifaceted Sri Lanka-UK relationship and cooperation at multilateral. Minister Sabry apprised the UK side of the progress in the debt restructuring process and thanked UK for its support and cooperation extended towards Sri Lanka as a member of the Paris Club in accelerating the process. Both dignitaries also exchanged views on freedom of navigation and maritime issues.

In addition, Minister Sabry had interactive sessions with the UK Parliamentarians including, Shadow Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs The Rt Hon David Lammy, Chair, All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Council of Sri Lankan Muslim Organisations UK (COSMOS) Bob Blackman, Chair APPG Foreign Affairs Dr Lisa Cameron and Conservative MP for North Somerset and former Secretary of State for Defence the Rt Hon Liam Fox MP at the Houses of Parliament. During the meetings, Minister Sabry briefed the Parliamentarians on Sri Lanka’s economic progress and current developments in the reconciliation process with specific references to the Anti-Terrorism Bill and establishment of the Interim Secretariat for Truth and Reconciliation Mechanism (ISTRM) and shared insights and international politics. He also chaired a roundtable on Sri Lanka with Chair of the APPG Dr Mathew Offord, on Sri Lanka which was attended by cross party Parliamentarians. The Parliamentarians were appreciative of the opportunity to receive Foreign Minister’s briefing on Sri Lanka’s economic recovery process and reconciliation efforts.

The visit concluded with roundtable discussions the Foreign Minister had with the Sri Lankan Tour Operators organised by the Sri Lankan Airlines and a Business Roundtable organised by the Sri Lanka-UK Chamber of Commerce on enhancing Sri Lanka-UK economic relationship where Minister engaged in an insightful discussion with the representatives of the tourism industry and the business community.

High Commissioner Rohitha Bogollagama and senior officials of the High Commission were associated with the Foreign Minister at the University of Cambridge events and bilateral meetings.

Sri Lanka High Commission

London

29 January 2024

Statement delivered by HE Ranil Wickremesinghe President of Sri Lanka at the 19th Summit of the Non-Aligned Movement in Kampala, Uganda

January 20, 2024

“Let me begin by congratulating you President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda for taking over the helm of the Non Aligned Movement at this 19th Summit. Your leadership is even more timely as Uganda assumes this role at a critical moment of collective awareness among countries of the global South. This is the first NAM Summit following the onset of the pandemic, the debt crisis, climate catastrophe, new global competition, and the ensuing multiple implications for the world, in particular, for the Global South.

As we meet today, a humanitarian crisis is unfolding in the Gaza Strip and beyond. For over 3 months immense suffering and losses have been endured by the Palestinian civilian population, endangering regional security and stability. Until now, the NAM was largely silent. How can we remain silent when the Gaza is destroyed? People denied humanitarian aid and a vast majority of the dead are innocent civilians. Silence implies consent. It is encouraging that this 19th Summit has given the highest priority to this crisis in Gaza and the inalienable rights of the people of Palestine to self- determination and the realisation of an independent and sovereign state of Palestine. We must congratulate South Africa for the bold stand it has taken in regard to Gaza. The international community has already called for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire and a release of hostages.

There cannot be a two state solution based on one state – Israel. No resolution is possible without a state of Palestine. Therefore, in line with multiple UN Resolutions, and the Declaration of this Summit, the international community must recognise the West Bank, Gaza and East Jerusalem as territories coming within the State of Palestine and in addition there should be no change in the ethnic composition of Gaza. Sri Lanka also proposes that the State of Palestine be established within 5 years and no more.

We are now witnessing the end of the post cold war order and the coming into being of the evolving multipolar world. On the geopolitical front, we are witnessing a resurgence of latent and open conflicts involving former and aspiring major powers. In Europe the transatlantic military alliance has been strengthened, past arms control agreements have collapsed, military expenditure has reached historically unprecedented levels and nuclear weapons are once again the subject of apparently serious policy discussion. Outer space and the oceans have become potential theatres of conflict and geo-strategic competition including in our vicinity in the Indian and Pacific Oceans.

Free trade and economic integration is being reversed by policy driven rise of trade protectionism due to strategic competition among major powers. Furthermore, this being extended further with the concepts of de-coupling and de-risking. A unilateral declaration of a new trade order and the setting aside of multilateralism by the West of the WTO. The weaponising of the Dollar. New challenges of economic and the debt crisis, climate justice, food and energy security. Digital and technological divides and advanced WMD arsenals have aggravated existing inequalities between the developing states of the NAM and the developed world.

The theme of this Summit ‘Deepening Cooperation for Shared Global Affluence” reflects the need to address the inequities between our two worlds. Furthermore, experience shows us that, to succeed we need a strong and a united NAM that contributes to a better world for all. To do so, we have to reinvent ourselves.

Our membership today is no longer a grouping of weak states. We must recognise that as a result of the rapid progress and economic advancement of some of Asian, African and Latin American states. A majority of the 10 leading economies of 2050 will belong to this movement. We see among us, rising aspirants for leadership status in global affairs. They must be prepared to give leadership. Furthermore, there is a vital role we must play as geostrategic rivalries in political, economic, technological and military terms becomes more pronounced among former and new contenders for Major Power status.

Therefore, the NAM must reinvent itself under your Chairmanship. Assume a new role in a multipolar world – to transform itself as the largest bloc representing the Global South. We must also recast our objectives. While upholding the Bandung Principles in the evolving multipolar world we need to,

1. oppose the spread of big power rivalry including the coercion of uncommitted states,
2. build a multipolar world which incorporates the political, economic, social and climate change mitigation aspirations of the Global South.

Let us transform ourselves from this loose movement to become a dynamic bloc of the Global South and its friends. Let us establish an effective permanent operational structure which is equipped to address the contemporary challenges facing the Global South. An organisation which is capable of shaping the new order.

Our future lies in our hands.

We can make it or break it. Let us make it work.

Let me conclude by thanking you Mr President and the Government of Uganda for the excellent arrangements for hosting this important 19th Summit of the Non Aligned Movement.”