The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mangala Samaraweera, addressing the National Press Club in Washington DC yesterday, highlighted the fact that Sri Lanka and the United States are two countries that shared “common values and ideals based on a commitment to democratic principles and governance.” The Minister pointed out that people to people contact between the two countries pre-dated diplomatic relations in 1948 by 150 years.
Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera held official talks with US Secretary of State John Kerry in Washington DC on Thursday 12 February 2015.
Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera delivered an address on the theme “Sri Lanka after the Presidential Election,” outlining the priorities of the government at the prestigious Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, in Washington DC on 11th February 2015 to a full house.
The Special Envoy of the Government of China, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Liu Jianchao undertook an official visit to Sri Lanka from 5 to 7 February 2015. During the visit, the Chinese Special Envoy paid calls on President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe. The visiting dignitary held bilateral talks with Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and also met Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake. The discussions focused on issues of mutual interest covering bilateral political, economic, development cooperation and people-to-people contacts.
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.
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.
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.