Ministry News – Page 295 – Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Address by President Maithripala Sirisena of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka on the 67th Anniversary of Independence at Sri Jayawardenepura, Kotte on February 04, 2015

Ven. Members of the Maha Sangha,
Reverend Clergy of other faiths,
Hon. Prime Minister,
Hon. Speaker,
Hon. Ministers and Members of Parliament,
Hon. Governors,
Your Excellencies,
Distinguished Guests,
My Dear Friends,

As we celebrate this 67th anniversary of the dawn of Independence, after nearly two centuries as a nation subject to colonial rule, it is most fortunate that I am able to address you at this historic city of Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte, today.

This occasion is of special significance because we commemorate the dawn of freedom at a time coincident with the taking of clear and resolute steps to firmly establish democracy and good governance, the Rule of Law, and a truly meaningful parliamentary system; to establish a long lasting and stable structure of good governance in keeping with the mandate given by the people at the recent presidential election.

US Assistant Secretary of State Biswal meets Foreign Minister Samaraweera

Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera held official talks with visiting Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia of the USA, Ms. Nisha Biswal at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs today. Assistant Secretary Biswal reviewed a range of bilateral issues. She conveyed the US Government’s desire to work closely with the newly elected government of President Maithripala Sirisena.

British Foreign Office Minister Swire meets Minister Samaraweera

Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera held talks with visiting British Minister of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs Hugo Swire at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs today. Minister Swire stated that the purpose of his visit was to convey the UK Government’s desire to work closely with the newly elected government of President Maithripala Sirisena and to convey a special message from Prime Minister David Cameron.

Foreign Minister Samaraweera visits Brussels

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Foreign Minister Samaraweera with Belgian Deputy Prime Minister & Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr. Didier Reynders

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Mangala Samaraweera, concluded a two day official visit to Brussels today.

Foreign Minister Samaraweera met Belgian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Didier Reynders and members of the European Parliament. He also held talks with the European Commissioner for Environment, Maritime Affairs & Fisheries, Mr. Karmenu Vella, and the European Commissioner for International Cooperation and Development, Mr. Neven Mimica.

Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera concludes two day visit to India

Hon._Narendra_Modi_Prime_Minister_of_India_welcomes_Hon._Mangala_Samaraweera_Minister_of_Foreign_Affairs_of_Sri_Lanka_on_19_Jan_at_the_Official_residence_of_the_Prime_Minister_

Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera who was in New Delhi for a two day official visit on the invitation of the Indian External Affairs Minister, Sushma Swaraj concluded his visit successfully today. This is the first foreign visit undertaken by Minister Samaraweera after assumption of office on 12^th January, and reflects the priority attached by Sri Lanka towards enhanced relations with India.

Foreign Minister Samaraweera calls on Prime Minister Modi in New Delhi

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Hon. Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India welcomes Hon Mangala Samaraweera, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Sri Lanka on 19th January 2015 at the Official residence of the Prime Minister in New Delhi.

Mrs Chitranganee Wagiswara appointed as the new Foreign Secretary

Mrs. Chitranganee Wagiswara has been appointed as the Secretary to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs by the President Maithripala Sirisena. She received her letter of appointment from President Sirisena today (19^th January 2015) at the Presidential Secretariat. Thereafter, Mrs Wagiswara assumed duties at the Ministry Office at a simple ceremony.

Mrs Wagiswara is the senior-most officer serving in the Sri Lanka Foreign Service, having joined in 1981. She served as Third Secretary in Rome, Italy (1984– 1988), Ottawa, Canada (1991-1994) as First Secretary, and as the Deputy High Commissioner in London, United Kingdom (1996 – 1999).