Category: News

Agenda Item 2 General Debate: Presentation of the written update on the implementation of HRC Resolution 30/1 by the High Commissioner for Human Rights pursuant to HRC resolution 40/1, OHCHR Report on ‘Promoting reconciliation, accountability and human rights in Sri Lanka’ (A/HRC/43/19)

 

27 February 2020

Statement by Hon. Dinesh Gunawardena, Minister of Foreign Relations, Skills Development, Employment and Labour Relations of Sri Lanka

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On the occasion of the 72^nd anniversary of independence of Sri Lanka, Minister of Foreign Relations, Dinesh Gunawardena hosted a High Tea for resident and non-resident envoys accredited to Sri Lanka on 04 February 2020 at the Ministry of Foreign Relations.

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The Sri Lanka High Commission in London celebrated the 72^nd Anniversary of the Independence of Sri Lanka at the High Commission premises on Tuesday 04 February 2020 with the Sri Lankan community living in the United Kingdom.  The ceremony included hoisting of the national flag, singing the national anthem, conduct of multi-faith religious observances, observing two minutes silence in honour of all those who sacrificed their lives in defence of the Motherland, reading of independence day messages of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa and Minister of Foreign Relations Dinesh Gunawardena, and address of the gathering by the Acting High Commissioner. The programme ended with the serving of refreshments including kiribath and traditional sweet meats.

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Senior Advisor on Economic Affairs to the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka Ajith Nivard Cabraal who was on  a visit to the United Kingdom called on the Minister of State for International Trade The Rt Hon Conor Burns MP on 28 January 2020.  During the meeting, Minister Burns assured that the EU GSP+ concession regime will continue to be applicable for Sri Lanka’s exports to the UK following Brexit on 31 January 2020 until the end of the transition period on 31 December 2020. Minister Burns further informed that the UK intends to introduce an independent trade preference scheme after 31 December 2020. The discussion also focussed on economic cooperation, ease of doing business and the strengthening of investment opportunities for British companies and joint ventures in Sri Lanka.

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The outgoing High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to the United Kingdom Manisha Gunasekera paid a farewell call on the Chief Incumbent of the London Buddhist Vihara and the Chief Sangha Nayake of Great Britain The Most Venerable Bogoda Seelawimala Thero at the London Buddhist Vihara on Tuesday 7 January 2020.

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The outgoing High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to the United Kingdom Manisha Gunasekera paid a farewell call on the Secretary-General of the Commonwealth The Rt Hon Patricia Scotland QC on Tuesday 21 January 2020 at Marlborough House.

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Click here to Read the press Release on ‘Death Certificates for Missing after Investigations’ 

 

The outgoing High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to the United Kingdom Manisha Gunasekera paid a farewell call on the Lord Tariq Ahmad of Wimbledon, the Minister of State for the Commonwealth, the United Nations and South Asia at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office on Wednesday 15 January 2020.

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” I have spoken on several occasions, and led a debate in your Lordships’ House, on the importance of the Commonwealth. I shall speak particularly on one Commonwealth country: Sri Lanka. Britain has vibrant Sri Lankan communities which have made enormous contributions to this country. Sri Lanka’s location at the heart of the Indian Ocean means it is uniquely positioned to serve as a regional centre for trade and services. The World Bank has recently classified Sri Lanka as an upper middle-income country. FTAs are in place with India, Pakistan and Singapore. Comprehensive trade agreements are also being negotiated with China, Thailand and Bangladesh. It is worth noting that businesses based in Sri Lanka can market their products and services to 3.5 billion people on preferential terms. Through the Port City Colombo project, Sri Lanka is creating a new international financial centre that will function under its own jurisdiction. Will the Government be providing expertise or facilitating the adoption of an English legal framework for this region? I would like to see us investing more in Sri Lanka and expanding our trade with that country.”

 

Video link: https://parliamentlive.tv/event/index/e7c99809-9b46-4c43-8698-2b32d61519a4?in=20%3A01%3A18&out=20%3A02%3A59&fbclid=IwAR0ScO_Ko6EBx6loryjksIGsqrCppuIQwJ-RwMR8HbFCtJlv0wVdwWy4IEU