Ministry News – Page 297 – Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Media Statement

Sri Lanka has a vibrant tradition of democratic practice since 1931 and has been conducting elections at regular intervals, in a peaceful and orderly manner, while the electorate has continued to cast their vote freely, in large numbers.

Domestic elections are not for foreign government representatives to be prescriptive about, that too, a few days ahead of the polls. It is therefore surprising that the EU Heads of Mission in Colombo should have resorted to a press statement on an issue of a strictly domestic nature. Such an initiative could bring into question the bona-fides and objectivity of their intervention.

UN to avoid holding meetings on the Day of Vesak

On the instructions of His Excellency President Mahinda Rajapaksa, the Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka to the United Nations in New York successfully negotiated a Resolution which was adopted by consensus on 29^thDecember 2014, whereby the United Nations General Assembly acknowledged the significance of the Day of Vesak observed in many member countries. It invited the United Nations bodies at Headquarters and other duty stations where observed, to avoid holding meetings on that Day. To this end, the Resolution also encourages this arrangement to be taken into account when formulating future calendars of conferences and meetings.

Statement on US-Cuba rapprochement

Sri Lanka welcomes the announcements made by the leaders of the United States of America and Cuba, of a rapprochement between the two countries, thereby ending decades’ long estrangement and paving the way for the renewal of diplomatic ties. The release and exchange of prisoners is a concrete step towards a new era of US-Cuba relations which marks a turning point in the history of the two nations.

Sri Lanka has consistently called for an end to the economic, commercial and financial embargo on Cuba, by the USA, which has caused severe hardship for the people of that country. It is therefore imperative to remove this obstacle to fully restore people to people interaction which will bring renewed prosperity to both nations. Read More

Thirty Sri Lankan fishermen released from Tamil Nadu to reunite with families for Christmas

Thirty (30) Sri Lankan fishermen released by the Tamil Nadu State authorities were repatriated to Sri Lanka today (23 December) enabling reunion with their families in time to celebrate Christmas. The Sri Lanka fishermen boarded SLNS Ranagaja at the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) and arrive at the Kankasanturai harbour this evening.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa during his discussions in Kathmandu on the sidelines of the 18^th SAARC Summit in November 2014, requested Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to facilitate the release of the Sri Lankan fishermen in custody in the States of Tamil Nadu and Andra Pradesh.

Media Statement

The Government of Sri Lanka vehemently condemns the terrorist attack today at a school in Peshawar killing over 125 persons including 84 innocent children and injuring more than 100 others. This dastardly attack reflects the brutality of the perpetrators particularly targeting school children. The brazen and inhumane manner in which this heinous attack was carried out at a seat of learning is particularly shocking.

Sri Lanka which has suffered immensely under the scourge of terrorism for almost three decades, share the pain and anguish of the people of Pakistan at this time of unspeakable grief. The Government and people of Sri Lanka extend heartfelt condolences to the families of the bereaved and offer prayers to find strength in coping with this tragedy and wish those injured a speedy recovery. The resilience of the Government and people of Pakistan would undoubtedly strengthen their resolve to annihilate terrorism in that country.

Media Statement

The Government of Sri Lanka notes with satisfaction the several media reports on a communication to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi from Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu O. Panneerselvam informing of the decision to release on 22^nd December 2014, thirty (30) Sri Lankan fishermen and nineteen (19) boats currently in the State’s custody.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa during his discussions in Kathmandu on the sidelines of the 18^th SAARC Summit in November 2014, requested Prime Minister Modi to facilitate the release of the Sri Lankan fishermen in custody in the States of Tamil Nadu and Andra Pradesh. Information relating to the Sri Lankan fishermen was shared at the time.

Sri Lanka Condemns Act of Terror in Sydney

The Government of Sri Lanka vehemently condemns the siege by a gunman on Monday 15^th December at a café in Sydney’s central business district where 17 people were held hostage and resulted in the death of two hostages and injured five including a policeman.

The people of Sri Lanka who have suffered under the scourge of terrorism for almost three decades, share the pain and anguish of the people of Australia over this act of terror targeting innocent civilians. Sri Lanka condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, and this tragic incident once again highlights the need for concerted action by the international community to combat this menacein the interest of global peace and security.