Sri Lanka underscores the importance of health of citizens in a successful democracy at the 13th Bali Democracy Forum in Jakarta
Addressing the 13th Bali Democracy Forum (BDF) State Minister for Regional Co-operation, Tharaka Balasuriya, underscored Sri Lanka’s commitment to ensure the health of citizens of Sri Lanka and the region. He said this at the Ministerial Panel that was held on 10 December 2020 on the subject of “Upholding Democracy: COVID-19 Pandemic”. The Ministerial Panel focused on sharing state policies of countries to prevent and maintain the COVID-19 pandemic.
Foreign Minister Gunawardena discusses GOSL concerns with Colombo based envoys
Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunawardena met with the British High Commissioner Sarah Hulton and Canadian High Commissioner David McKinnon, this week to discuss matters of bilateral importance.
The Minister addressed the mutual concern of security of countries, particularly in the context of the increasingly visible activities in the past few weeks by non-state actors engaged in glorification of terrorist acts of the LTTE, including suicide bombers. Serious note was taken by the envoys regarding the use of children in terrorist propaganda activities, leading to the radicalization of new generations of youth and children.
State Minister for Regional Co-operation Delivers Remarks at an event on “Switching on Cross Border Start Ups & Innovation” – 08 December 2020
At the invitation of the High Commission of Sri Lanka in Singapore, State Minister for Regional Co-operation, Tharaka Balasuriya delivered a pre-recorded statement at ‘Switching on Cross Border Start Ups & Innovation‘, an event organized jointly by GBCDL (GB Community Development Ltd.) as a consortium partner of Asian Development Bank (ADB-SP) Global Technology Innovation Village and Singapore Polytechnic (GTiV) with the High Commission of Sri Lanka to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Sri Lanka and Singapore, on 08 December 2020.
Doors open for Sri Lankan Jewellery Industry in South Africa
The outgoing South African High Commissioner in Colombo Robina P. Marks called on Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunawardena at the Foreign Ministry on 04 December 2020.
The High Commissioner apprised the Minister that the Government of South Africa was keen to obtain assistance from Sri Lankan craftsmen to develop the Jewellery Industry in South Africa. Foreign Minister Gunawardena sought the South African expertise in the canning industry for the food and vegetable industry in Sri Lanka as around 40% of the harvest is wasted in the country due to technology gaps in this field. Besides, the Minister highlighted the importance of enhancing cooperation in trade, investment and tourism sectors between the two countries. It was also discussed on further expanding tea exports to the African continent through the South African distribution network.
Sri Lanka High Commission in London highlighted the launch of the UN Global Campaign on Sustainable Nitrogen Management “Nitrogen for Life” in 2019 by the Sri Lankan Government along with the United Nations Environment Programme at the London based Heads of Mission meeting of the Climate Vulnerable Forum.
Speaking at the Forum, Deputy High Commissioner Samantha Pathirana encouraged members of the Climate Vulnerable Forum to join the #ColomboDeclaration.
Statement by Hon. Dinesh Gunawardena, Foreign Minister of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka at the 31st Special Session of the General Assembly in response to the COVID-19 pandemic – 03/04 December 2020
Mr President
Mr Secretary-General
Your Majesties
Your Excellencies
Distinguished Delegates
Ladies and Gentlemen
At the outset, I thank H.E. Volkan Bozkir, President of the General Assembly for convening the Special Session in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, as proposed by the Non Aligned Movement and Azerbaijan, Chair of the NAM.
Understanding the maritime domain vital to unleashing Sri Lanka’s growth potential: State Minister of Regional Co-operation Tharaka Balasuriya delivers the keynote address
State Minister for Regional Co-operation Tharaka Balasuriya delivering the keynote address at the virtual conference; ‘Promoting Sri Lanka’s Interests in the Maritime Domain: Strengthening Cooperation with the European Union’ reiterated that Sri Lanka’s maritime domain is a vital component that can unleash Sri Lanka’s growth potential and achieve the priority areas outlined in President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s manifesto ‘Vistas of Prosperity and Splendour’.
Dr Lakmini Mendis, Minister (Commercial) of Sri Lanka High Commission in London chaired the 4th meeting of the Supply Side Connectivity Cluster, held by the Commonwealth Secretariat.
The theme was leveraging technology for #foodsecurity and explored the use of #technology and #innovation in the #postCOVID agriculture sector.
Sri Lanka condemns assassination of Dr. Mohsen Fakhrizadeh
Sri Lanka condemns the assassination of Dr. Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, and any form of acts of terrorism against humanity. Sri Lanka calls for the stability and security of the Middle East and the Persian Gulf region and believes strongly in dialogue and engagement as the most successful means for finding a solution to problems.
Foreign Ministry
Colombo
02 December 2020