Ministry News – Page 244 – Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Foreign Minister Karunanayake briefs Diplomatic Corps

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On the direction of H.E. the President Maithripala Sirisena and Hon. Prime Minister, Ranil Wickremesinghe, Hon. Minister Karunanayake directed the Foreign Ministry to respond to the emergency needs of the flood victims in coordination with the Ministry of Disaster Management. The Ministry Emergency Response Unit, activated on 26^th May 2017, to coordinate international Search and Rescue and Disaster Relief measures, launched an appeal to the INSARG (International Search and Rescue Group) through the UN. The Foreign Ministry also appealed to countries in the region to obtain the services of Emergency Rescue Teams.

SAARC Secretary General meets Minister of Foreign Affairs

The new Secretary General of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), Amjad Hussain B.Sial, in his customary introductory calls on Member States, visited Sri Lanka from 29^th -31 May 2017.

JOINT DECLARATION ON ENHANCED COOPERATION BETWEEN AUSTRALIA AND SRI LANKA

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Sri Lanka seeks Assistance to handle the worsening flood situation

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has activated the Emergency Response Unit of the Ministry, to coordinate rescue and relief measures related to the flood situation in several parts of Sri Lanka. In this regard, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in coordination with the Ministry of Disaster Management, has made an appeal to UN, International Search and Rescue Advisory Group (INSARAG) and neighboring countries to provide assistance to affected people, especially in the areas of search and rescue operations.

Minister Ravi Karunanayake assumes duties at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Having received his appointment from President Maithripala Sirisena on Monday 22 May 2017, as the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ravi Karunanayake assumed duties at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs yesterday morning, Thursday, 25 May 2017.

President Sirisena to undertake State Visit to Australia

President Maithripala Sirisena will undertake a state visit to Australia on 24-26 May 2017 at the invitation of Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull. The visit takes place as both countries celebrate the 70^th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations this year.

Sri Lanka and the Czech Republic renew bilateral cooperation

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The Junior Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic H.E. Ivan Jancarek met with Additional Secretary of Foreign Affairs (Economic Affairs & Trade, Middle East & Africa, and Political Affairs/ West) Mrs. Grace Asirwatham, on 5^th May 2017, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Colombo.