Category: News

Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunawardena led the Sri Lankan delegation to the informal meeting of the Council of Ministers of the eight-member South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) on 24 September 2020. The annual event, which traditionally takes place on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, was convened in virtual mode this year amidst the Covid-19 pandemic.

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• New market for exporters
• International trade agreements to be reviewed
• National Trade Policy to be revised

After a lapse of 28 years the Export Development Council (EDC) was convened under the patronage of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa.

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• Global community must stand in solidarity with Sri Lanka to counter terrorism
• As a nation that witnessed the bitterness of war, SL is committed to promote peace across the world
• Vigilant on transnational drug trafficking
• Once developed, universal access to COVID – 19 vaccine is vital

“Democratically elected governments of nations understand the pulse and needs of their people the best. It is the responsibility of the UN to assist and support processes of such elected Governments to bring about sustainable solutions for needs of their people” President Gotabaya Rajapaksa said in  pre-recorded address to the General Debate of the 75^th General Assembly on the United Nations today (23). » Read more

Foreign Secretary Admiral Prof. Jayanath Colombage was interviewed on “Mahajana Sevaya Pinisai” on Swarnavahini on 21st September 2020.

https://youtu.be/2nB7v32uR3s

We expect the United Nation will place due emphasis on non-interference in domestic affairs of other states, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa said in a pre-recorded statement at the High-Level Meeting to Commemorate the 75^th Anniversary  of the United Nations today (21).

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5^th Session of the Human Rights Council

Agenda Item 3:

Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the promotion of

truth, justice, reparation and guarantees of non- recurrence

17 September 2020

Madam President,

As this Council is aware, in November last year, the people of Sri Lanka gave a resounding mandate to President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to pursue a policy framework aimed at achieving the fourfold outcome of “a productive citizenry, a contented family, a disciplined and just society and a prosperous nation.”

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45^th Session of the Human Rights Council

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The 27^th ASEAN Regional Forum was held on 12^th September 2020 virtually.  The State Minister for Regional Cooperation, Tharaka Balasuriya represented Sri Lanka at the Forum. 

In his statement Minister Balasuriya commended the role of ARF as a proponent of peace, stability and prosperity in the region. Sri Lanka highlighting the values of constructive dialogue, consultation and cooperation by all member states in maintaining peace and security in the region, called for collective efforts by the ARF member states to address traditional and non-traditional security threats.

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Hon. Tharaka Balasuriya, State Minister of Regional Co-operation was interviewed on News 1st NEWSLINE with Faraz Shauketaly on 2 September 2020.