Sri Lanka endorsed the Open Government Declaration committing “to foster a global culture of open government that empowers and delivers for citizens, and advances the ideals of open and participatory 21st century government,” thereby becoming the newest participating country of the Open Government Partnership (OGP). Sri Lanka is the only South Asian participating country in the OGP and joins other countries in the Asian region such as Indonesia, Mongolia, Philippines and Republic of Korea.
The Government and people of Sri Lanka are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of life and destruction to property caused by the devastating earthquake in the Hindukush region of Afghanistan on Monday 26thOctober, 2015 which also affected parts of India and Pakistan.
Sri Lanka stands in support and solidarity with the Governments and those affected in Afghanistan, India and Pakistan and wish to convey deep condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in this catastrophic disaster, and to those injured a speedy recovery. Read More
President Maithripala Sirisena will undertake an Official visit to the Kingdom of Thailand from 1 to 4 November 2015, on the invitation of the Prime Minister of Thailand, General Prayuth Chan-o-Cha. This visit also coincides with the celebrations of the 60th Anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Sri Lanka and Thailand.
Hon. Dr. Harsha de Silva, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, attended the 15th Meeting of the Council of Ministers of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), which was held in 23rd October in Padang, Indonesia.
Speaking at the United Nations Day event organised by the UN Association of Sri Lanka on Sunday 18 October 2015, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Harsha de Silva, who was chief guest on the occasion, called on all students to become Ambassadors for Peace. The event which was held at the Bishops' College Auditorium was attended by a large number of students from schools across the island.
The UN Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs, Miroslav Jenca, who is currently on a visit to Sri Lanka (21-25 October 2015), called on the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mangala Samaraweera yesterday, 21 October. His visit follows recent discussions between the Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and President Maithripala Sirisena in New York in September.
In line with the government’s policy to enhance the economic development of the country, under the guidance of Hon. Mangala Samaraweera, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is geared to intensify the promotion of trade, investment and all economic endeavors through economic diplomacy.