Meeting of the NAM Ministerial Committee on Palestine 17 January 2023 – Kampala, Uganda – Statement by Hon. Ali Sabry, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Sri Lanka

January 18, 2024

Mr.  Chair

Distinguished delegates,

Allow me at the outset to thank Hon. Gen Odongo Jeje Abubakhar, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uganda and the Chair of the NAM Ministerial Meeting on Palestine for inviting me to this meeting.

Sri Lanka’s long held principled position on this matter has been clear. We recognize the legitimate and inalienable right of the people of Palestine to statehood. Sri Lanka remains committed to supporting a just and comprehensive negotiated political settlement to the Palestine issue in line with the relevant UN resolutions, leading to two States living side by side based on the 1967 borders. It is the obligation of the international community to walk the talk and ensure those resolutions are implemented on the ground and restore the dignity and freedom of the Palestinian people.

Sri Lanka is the Chair of the UN Special Committee to Investigate Israeli Practices and continues to stand in solidarity with the Palestinian cause and affirms the rights of the Palestinian people to live in peace and dignity.

Excellencies, last Sunday reached a grim milestone of hundred days of massive escalation of violence in the Gaza strip. We remain deeply concerned on the tragedy that is continuing to unfold causing an unprecedented level of civilian casualties. Over a million of Palestinians have been displaced and the psychological trauma endured particularly by the children is just heart breaking. Lack of medical supplies, food, water and fuel has further worsened the dire humanitarian situation.

Sri Lanka welcomes the high priority given by the 19^th Summit of NAM to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the issue of Palestine. We also welcome the Political Declaration of the Meeting of the NAM Ministerial Committee on Palestine.

We reiterate our call for unhindered facilitation of humanitarian aid entry into Gaza at the scale that is required to prevent the risk of famine, disease and malnutrition.

The loss of over 152 UN staff aid workers which is reported to be highest number of UN aid workers killed in a conflict in the history of the United Nations is an alarming testament to the severity of the ongoing violence in Gaza. We take this opportunity to commend the dedication and courage of the healthcare and humanitarian aid workers in Gaza including the significant work of the UNRWA under extremely challenging circumstances, call for their urgent protection and renewed support for their activities.A humanitarian ceasefire is the only solution to halt the mounting civilian death toll. Hostages should be released and unfettered access to life saving essentials to the people in Gaza should be assured.

Excellencies, We are concerned about the peace and security of the Middle East due to the ongoing conflict as well its potential to spread beyond the Region. It is also a test of solidarity for NAM and we welcome the continuous support of NAM for the people of Palestine. We are pleased that all the amendments proposed by Palestine to the outcome document of this Summit were agreed upon with overwhelming support.

Double standards in the response to the crisis in Gaza has been evident. We call upon the international community to form a united front and a collective voice towards alleviating the humanitarian disaster in Gaza. Safety, dignity, and rights of both Israelis and Palestinians should be prioritized in the work towards advancing stable and sustainable peace.

We recognize legitimate security concerns of both Israeli and Palestinian peoples and acknowledge the deep pain, loss, and suffering that both sides have experienced over the long years of the continuing conflict. The cycle of violence must be broken. It is of critical importance that both sides engage in sincere dialogue in pursuit of a two-state solution and we urge for greater diplomatic efforts towards this end.

We must acknowledge that until everyone is safe, no one is safe. Until the Palestinians are safe, the middle east is not safe.  Until the middle east is safe, the world is not safe.

 Let me conclude by echoing the words of the UN Secretary-General, “The people of Gaza are looking into the abyss. The international community must do everything possible to end their ordeal.”

Thank you

Foreign Minister Ali Sabry addresses the Meeting of the Foreign Ministers of the Non-Aligned Movement in Kampala

January 18, 2024

Foreign Minister Ali Sabry stated that it is essential to ensure that the Non Aligned Movement continues to play a significant role in multilateralism, particularly on issues of importance to the global South, when addressing the Ministerial Meeting of the 19 Summit of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) that is currently ongoing in Kampala, Uganda from 17 to 18 January 2024.

The Republic of Uganda assumed the Chairmanship of the 19th Summit of the Heads of State and Government of the NAM which is being convened under the theme “Deepening cooperation for shared global affluence.”

Recalling that Sri Lanka was a founding member of the Movement and had hosted the 5th NAM Summit of Heads of State and Government in 1976, Minister Sabry reiterated that non-alignment is the cornerstone of Sri Lanka’s foreign policy. He further stated that contemporary global crises have brought the fragilities of the world to the forefront and that this has magnified the relevance of the Movement, as never before.

He called on the NAM Member States to speak in one voice when the very principles on which the Movement is based are challenged and emphasized the importance of unity and solidarity among the Members. He reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s solidarity with the people of Palestine during the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza and stated that Sri Lanka will continue to support them in their quest to realize their inalienable right to Statehood.

The Ministerial Meeting was preceded by the Senior Officials Meeting where the Sri Lanka delegation was led by Foreign Secretary Aruni Wijewardane. The Senior Officials meeting, held from 15 to 16 January 2024 in Kampala, negotiated and finalized the Outcome Document of the Summit and the Kampala Declaration. Both of these documents will be presented to the Heads of State and Government of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) when they meet from 19 to 20 January 2024.

President Ranil Wickeremesinghe is scheduled to address the Summit of the Heads of State and Government on 19th January 2024.

On the sidelines of these meetings, Foreign Minister Sabry held bilateral discussions with the Foreign Minister of Uganda, Odongo Jeje Abubakher, Foreign Minister of Pakistan, Jalil Abbas Jilani and the Foreign Minister of Algeria, Ahmed Attaf. The Foreign Minister is also scheduled to address the Meeting of the NAM Ministerial Committee on Palestine, today, 17th January 2024.

The NAM which currently consists of 120 Member States is based on the Bandung Principles and aims to advance the interests of developing countries.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Colombo

17 January 2024

……………………………………………………….

Ministerial Meeting of the 19th Summit of Heads of State & Government of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM)

Statement by Hon. Ali Sabry, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Sri Lanka

17-18 January 2024, Kampala

H.E. Gen. Odongo Jeje Abubakhar, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uganda,

H.E. Jeyhun Bayramov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan,

Excellencies,

I wish to congratulate the Republic of Uganda on the assumption of the chairmanship of the Non Aligned Movement (NAM) and to extend the fullest cooperation and support of Sri Lanka during Uganda’s chairmanship. I also wish to thank Your Excellency for the excellent arrangements made for the Summit in the beautiful city of Kampala.

We appreciate the role played by the Republic of Azerbaijan as the chair of the NAM for the past four years, particularly, during a period of immense challenges.

Excellencies, as we know global challenges will always persist. However, we must ensure that strong leadership is provided to address these challenges and we must not shy away from taking the correct decisions – the correct decisions for the Global South. Today, the NAM comprises a near two-thirds of the Member States of the United Nations – and it is essential to ensure that the Movement continues to play a significant role in multilateralism, particularly on issues that are relevant to the South.

I am pleased to recall that Sri Lanka was a founding member of the Movement and hosted the 5th Summit of the Heads of State and Government in 1976. Non-alignment, Mr. Chair, forms a cornerstone of Sri Lanka’s foreign policy and we are aware of the sensitivities of leading the Movement in a fragile international environment. It is our belief that the prevailing fractured global stage has magnified the relevance of this Movement, as never before.

In this context, the theme of this Summit “Deepening cooperation for shared global affluence” is relevant and the focus is timely. We see the Chair’s vision of a ‘stronger and united NAM that contributes to a better world for all’ as a clear pathway to realize it as enshrined in the theme.

Excellencies,

The after effects of the COVID pandemic, exacerbated by the global financial and economic crisis, deteriorating international security, complex humanitarian crises and a weak multilateral framework have brought the fragilities of our world to the forefront – and the ever-expanding inequalities and the divide between the North and South. The status quo warrants our renewed commitment to the principles of the NAM.

It is also important that we speak in one voice when the very principles on which this Movement is based are challenged. Sri Lanka is appalled by the situation in Palestine and the dire humanitarian situation. We are pleased that all the amendments proposed by Palestine to the outcome document of this Summit were agreed upon with overwhelming support. Sri Lanka reaffirms our solidarity with the Palestinian people and the commitment to continue supporting them in their quest to achieve their inalienable rights. A lasting solution to the question of Palestine, based on internationally-endorsed parameters enshrined in the relevant UN resolutions, must remain a priority for our Movement.

NAM must emphasize the importance of unity and solidarity among its Member States and we in the Global South must work together to address global issues of relevance to us.  The promotion of South-South Cooperation should be prioritized in order to enhance collaboration among developing countries, fostering partnerships in areas such as trade, investment, technology transfer and capacity building.

Excellencies,

As a country that suffered at the hands of terrorism for over three decades, Sri Lanka reiterates its commitment to the NAM’s principled position to the fight against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.  It is the obligation of all Member States to prevent and suppress such acts and contribute to international peace and security.  We must restore the vision of disarmament, which is crucial for a sustained international peace and security. In this context, I am also pleased to inform that, as a country advocating for disarmament, Sri Lanka acceded to the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) and ratified the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT), last year.

Excellencies,

It is the developing world that is most affected and faced with challenges in achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Our hard won developmental goals have been reversed and we are now required to invest our limited resources even to combat the issues arising from what we are not even responsible for.

Contemporary global crises, exacerbated by growing geo-political tensions, have brought to the forefront many underlying issues. Of utmost importance is debt relief, digital divide and climate change. It is the countries in the South that are faced with increased debt burden and are compelled to allocate resources for debt servicing. The widening digital divide threatens to leave developing countries from achieving technological advances and climate financing and technology transfer still remains a challenge. In the context of climate change, I am pleased to inform that in this context, Sri Lanka launched a Climate Justice Forum and the Tropical Belt Initiative recently. We also envision establishing an International Climate Change university in Sri Lanka.

The magnitude of the challenges we face is immense – be it economic, political or environmental. NAM needs unity as never before, if we are to ‘deepen cooperation for shared affluence.’ We must review our role, in the current realities, and take steps expeditiously to improve the structure and methods of work required to enhance the group’s effectiveness. Solidarity and commitment to multilateral cooperation are key in facing the challenges confronting us today, and in the coming years. Our cooperation should be guided by the principles of respect for national sovereignty, equality, and non-interference in domestic affairs and mutual benefit. I am confident that our deliberations during the course of these 2 days will lead to a strong Declaration and an outcome document to be adopted by our Heads of State and Government at the Summit which will strengthen the collective vision of the Movement bolstered by the highest political commitment.

Thank you

The message of H.E Ranil Wickremesinghe, President of Sri Lanka on the occasion of Thai Pongal

January 15, 2024

Thai pongal, a vibrant Hindu harvest festival celebrated by the Tamil Community worldwide, beckons us into a realm of joy and gratitude, signifying not only the bountiful harvest but also the promise of new beginnings. Embraced within the auspicious month of Thai [January) in the Tamil calendar, this celebration harmonizes with the Sun’s northward journey, marking the onset of the harvest season.

Read full message in Tamil, in Sinhala and in English…..

New Year Message of H.E Ranil Wickremesinghe, President of Sri Lanka -2024

January 1, 2024

Message in Sinhala  and  Tamil

Sri Lanka High Commission Public Holidays 2024

January 1, 2024

Please note that the Sri Lanka High Commission will be closed during the following public holidays in 2024.

Message of H.E Ranil Wickremesinghe, President of Sri Lanka on the occasion of Christmas

December 25, 2023

Please click here for full message….

In Sinhala

In Tamil

In English

“Visit Sri Lanka!” Tourism Promotion networking event in Canberra

December 11, 2023

The High Commission of Sri Lanka in Canberra in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau hosted a vibrant evening reception to a selected number of outbound tour operators in Canberra on 06 December 2023 at the Sri Lanka High Commission premises. The key objective of this event was to promote Sri Lanka as a tourist destination and present Sri Lanka as an attractive and secure tourism market for Australian visitors.

Welcoming the guests, High Commissioner of Sri Lanka in Australia Chitranganee Wagiswara stated that tourism is a key industry in Sri Lanka due to its varied attractions, unique adventures that could be experienced including the Sri Lankan cuisine favoured by Australians. She invited the attendees to look at new destinations and promote Sri Lanka during the upcoming holiday season.

Eye-catching videos depicting the beauty of Sri Lanka were screened including “Pekoe Trail” which, at the British Guild of Travel Writers International Tourism Awards presentation won the best award for the year 2023. The event was followed by a Q & A session and the tour operators showed a keen interest in promoting Sri Lanka among Australian travellers.

Concluding the event, a Sri Lankan style dinner was served for the attendees. Giveaway packs containing tourism brochures and souvenirs provided by the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau were distributed among the invitees.

Sri Lanka High Commission

Canberra

11 December 2023

Diwali Celebration at the High Commission of Sri Lanka, Canberra

November 27, 2023

Sri Lanka High Commission together with Sri Lankan Hindu devotees and representatives of Sri Lankan Associations in Canberra celebrated Diwali, the Festival of Lights at the Sri Lanka High Commission premises on 24th November 2023.

The High Commission was decorated with Kolam and other festive decorations. Swamy Arjun conducted the auspicious religious rituals connected with the Diwali festival and invoked blessings on the participants.

High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to Australia Chitranganee Wagiswara welcomed the guests and highlighting the value of celebrating Diwali stated that, as Sri Lankans the celebration demonstrates the multicultural, multi religious, multilingual nature of Sri Lankan society. , The President of Sri Lanka Senior’s Tamil Association in Canberra Maniwannan emphasized the significance of the Diwali festival and its relevance to the people’s way of life.

Cultural performances included a traditional bharatanatyam dance, instrumental music and devotional songs.

At the end of the formal programme, the guests were invited to taste the traditional food prepared by the High Commission staff.

Sri Lanka High Commission

Canberra

27 November 2023

Media Release –  Meetings in Sydney to Promote Sri Lanka-Australia Links

November 16, 2023

Sri Lanka High Commissioner in Australia Chitranganee Wagiswara paid an official call on the Minister for Multiculturalism, Small Business, Lands and Property and Sport of New South Wales (NSW) Steve Kamper on 7 November 2023 at his office.

The Minister spoke of the large number of Sri Lankan expatriates who have made their mark in NSW and noted that most of the Sri Lankans are very well educated and well integrated into the Australian Society. The minister has been closely involved with most of the activities which are organized by Sri Lankan associations in Sydney. The High Commissioner stated that she was pleased to note the encouraging sentiments expressed by the Minister.

The two sides discussed avenues for further cooperation and the need for the State government’s assistance in promoting links between Australia and Sri Lanka especially in the trade sector. It was agreed that the High Commission and the State Minister’s Office would keep in close contact to facilitate and promote further links that would be mutually beneficial.

During the visit to Sydney, the President of the Sri Lanka Australia Chamber of Commerce Kalum de Silva organised a Business Round Table on 8 November 2023. Members from the Australia-Sri Lanka Business Council also attended the Round Table.

In his introductory remarks, Kalum De Silva highlighted the ongoing activities and programmes that are in place between Sri Lanka and Australia. He also spoke of the visit to Sri Lanka by a business delegation organized in partnership with the Victoria State Government, the Aboriginal Economic Development Group (AEDG) and other stakeholders. Meetings were held in Sri Lanka with Export Development Board, National Chamber of Commerce, SLASSCom and other stakeholders as well as visits to places of interest.

 In addressing the participants at the Round Table, the High Commissioner outlined the areas of cooperation and potential that could be looked into by those interested in business and the investment sectors. Some of those present at the Round Table raised issues that need to be addressed in promoting trade and investment links and made suggestions on areas that could be pursued.

The High Commissioner invited the members of the chambers and other interested parties to be in touch with the High Commission as well as the Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Melbourne so that any assistance sought and networking opportunities could be arranged.

Sri Lanka High Commission

Canberra

15 November 2023

Panel Discussion in Canberra, Australia on “Pathways to Economic Recovery in Sri Lanka”

October 24, 2023

Given the importance and interest in current developments in Sri Lanka and at the request by the University of New South Wales (UNSW) with the Institute of Global Development, the Sri Lanka High Commission collaborated with the UNSW to organize a Round Table discussion on “Pathways to Economic Recovery in Sri Lanka” on Tuesday 17^th October 2023 at the UNSW Campus in Canberra.  The discussion was held in hybrid mode with the virtual participation of Sri Lankan experts and professionals.

The Panellists from Sri Lanka included member of parliament and chair of public Finance & former State Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr. Harsha De Silva, Executive Committee Member of National People’s Power political party former Deputy Minister and former Parliamentarian, Sunil Handunetti, Executive Director of Verite Research, Sri Lanka, Dr. Nishan De Mel, CEO of Advocata Institute, Sri Lanka, Dhananath Fernando, and Advisor to the President of Sri Lanka on Strategic Trade Policy and Board Member of Geopolitical Cartographer Dr. Ganeshan Wignaraja.  Prof. Satish Chand of UNSW Canberra School moderated the panel discussion and the Q & A Session.

Senior Lecturer of UNSW, Sydney Dr. Sarath Mataraarachchi welcomed the participants and gave an outline of the subject matter and the objective of conducting the panel discussion from an academic point of view.

Inaugurating the Roundtable discussion, Deputy Rector of UNSW Prof. Michael O’Donnell, welcomed the participants who joined virtually as well as the other participants who were in the audience.

High Commissioner for Sri Lanka in Australia, Chitranganee Wagiswara in her introductory remarks spoke briefly on the economic crisis and the debt recovery process in Sri Lanka.  While appreciating the interest of the academics and Think Tanks in Australia on Sri Lanka, she stated that Sri Lanka welcomes objective and independent views that would contribute to the deliberations on the subject.

Dr. Harsha De Silva spoke of the consequences of the present economic and debt crisis, the taxes introduced by the present government and its effects, and issues that the government of Sri Lanka could focus on to prioritize and rectify the current situation.

Mr. Handunnetti spoke of the importance of focusing on political decisions that are necessary for economic growth. The three representatives from the Think Tank highlighted the root causes that led to the economic and debt crisis and the decisions and requirements that need to be taken by the government of Sri Lanka to move forward in the recovery process.

Director of the UNSW, Global Development Institute Prof. George Varughese delivered the Vote of Thanks and stated that the Roundtable discussion brought together scholars and practitioners to an open discussion on innovative pathways to economic recovery in Sri Lanka. The audience in Canberra included Emi. Professor of Economics at the Australian National University Prof Premachandra Athukorala, officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs &Trade of Australia, Diplomatic Officers from the Sri Lanka High Commission in Canberra, among other invitees.

Sri Lanka High Commission

Canberra, Australia

20.10.2023