Sri Lanka is deeply concerned and disturbed at the recent serious escalation of violence in Gaza and deeply regrets the loss of lives and the great suffering experienced by the people of Palestine.
Ministry News
External Affairs Ministry Statement on “Petrie report”
The Ministry of External Affairs refers to the “Report of the Secretary General’s Internal Review Panel on UN action in Sri Lanka” or the “Petrie Report” which was leaked to the media the day prior to its being formally handed over to the Secretary General on 14th November, and officially made public the same day. While this Report is an internal review of the UN’s action in Sri Lanka during the terrorist conflict, the Ministry’s attention has been drawn to certain issues with regard to allegations directed at the Government of Sri Lanka, which are regrettably unsubstantiated, erroneous and replete with conjecture and bias. The Ministry, therefore, wishes to state the following:-
Sri Lanka Uganda Relations Strengthened
On the invitation of President Mahinda Rajapaksa, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and Janet Kataaha Museveni, First Lady & Minister for Karamoja Affairs of the Republic of Uganda concluded a three day State Visit to Sri Lanka from 12th – 15th November 2012. The delegation included members of the Ugandan Parliament Yorakamu Katwiremu, Nankabirwa Ann Maria and Chairman, Gerald Ssendawula of the Private Sector Foundation of Uganda. The Ugandan President was accorded a ceremonial welcome at the Presidential Secretariat on the morning of 13th November which included a Guard of Honour and a 21 gun salute.
Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between Sri Lanka and Burkina Faso
Joint Formal Announcement by the Ministry of External Affairs of Sri Lanka/Colombo and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Cooperation of Burkina Faso/Ouagadougou on 16th November 2012
Upon the signing of Agreement by H.E. Mr. Prasad Kariyawasam, High Commissioner for Sri Lanka to India and H.E. Idriss Raoua Ouedraogo, Ambassador for Burkina Faso to India on 15th November 2012 at New Delhi, the Government of Sri Lanka and the Government of Burkina Faso decided to establish Diplomatic Relations between the two countries with effect from 15th November 2012.
Sri Lanka – Hungary strengthen bilateral relations
On an invitation extended by Hon. Prof. G.L. Peiris, Minister of External Affairs, the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Hungary, Hon. Dr. Janos Martonyi is visiting Sri Lanka.
Minister G.L. Peiris briefs diplomats accredited to Sri Lanka in New Delhi
Minister G. L. Peiris, on Friday 2 November, met the Ambassadors and High Commissioners of seventy-six countries accredited to Sri Lanka and operating from New Delhi, at a Reception hosted in his honour by High Commissioner Prasad Kariyawasam.
Interacting with the envoys, Minister Peiris briefed them at length on developments in Sri Lanka during the post-conflict phase, including resettlement of the internally displaced, demining, rehabilitation of ex-combatants, human rights and related issues, the reconciliation process, as well as rebuilding and infrastructure development.
The new Secretary to the Ministry of External Affairs assumes duties
The new Secretary to the Ministry of External Affairs, Mr. Karunatilaka Amunugama assumed office today (28th March 2011) at the Ministry at a simple ceremony. He was welcomed on his arrival by senior officials of the Min ...