Statement by Hon. Tilak Marapana, PC., MP Minister of Foreign Affairs -Consideration of the Appropriations Bill 2019 Ministry of Foreign Affairs 26th March 2019
Hon. Speaker,
Given the current domestic and external developments, managing Sri Lanka’s foreign relations effectively is of paramount importance in order to protect and promote the interests of the Sri Lankan State and the welfare and advancement of the country’s people here and abroad.
I table for the record my full statement, that comprehensively addresses the progress made by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the bilateral, regional, multilateral and functional spheres and also provides information on new initiatives undertaken to operationalize the re-orientation of Sri Lanka’s foreign policy.
The new High Commissioner of Sri Lanka in the United Kingdom Manisha Gunasekera paid a courtesy call on the Minister of State for Asia and the Pacific of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office Mark Field, MP, on Thursday 17 January 2019 in London. The Strengthening of the strong bilateral relationship between Sri Lanka and the UK, and issues of relevance in the political and economic spheres were discussed during the meeting. The High Commissioner updated Minister Mark Field on current developments in Sri Lanka, and acknowledged the support extended by the UK Government towards the country’s reconciliation process. The High Commissioner was accompanied to the meeting by Deputy High Commissioner Sugeeshwara Gunaratna.
The programme commenced with the hoisting of the National Flag of Sri Lanka at the Chancery building by the High Commissioner of Sri Lanka in the United Kingdom Manisha Gunasekera, followed by the singing of the National Anthem of Sri Lanka by High Commission staff. Thereafter, two minutes’ silence was observed to commemorate war heroes and all those who sacrificed their lives on behalf of the Motherland. This was followed by the Oath of Public Servants delivered in Sinhala and Tamil languages.