Hon. Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ravi Karunanayake, met with Special Envoy of the President of Maldives Dr. Mohamed Asim, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Maldives today (31.05.2017), at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The two Ministers discussed several issues of importance relevant to bilateral relations of the two countries.
On the direction of H.E. the President Maithripala Sirisena and Hon. Prime Minister, Ranil Wickremesinghe, Hon. Minister Karunanayake directed the Foreign Ministry to respond to the emergency needs of the flood victims in coordination with the Ministry of Disaster Management. The Ministry Emergency Response Unit, activated on 26th May 2017, to coordinate international Search and Rescue and Disaster Relief measures, launched an appeal to the INSARG (International Search and Rescue Group) through the UN. The Foreign Ministry also appealed to countries in the region to obtain the services of Emergency Rescue Teams.
The new Secretary General of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), Amjad Hussain B.Sial, in his customary introductory calls on Member States, visited Sri Lanka from 29th -31 May 2017.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has activated the Emergency Response Unit of the Ministry, to coordinate rescue and relief measures related to the flood situation in several parts of Sri Lanka. In this regard, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in coordination with the Ministry of Disaster Management, has made an appeal to UN, International Search and Rescue Advisory Group (INSARAG) and neighboring countries to provide assistance to affected people, especially in the areas of search and rescue operations.
Having received his appointment from President Maithripala Sirisena on Monday 22 May 2017, as the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ravi Karunanayake assumed duties at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs yesterday morning, Thursday, 25 May 2017.
President Maithripala Sirisena will undertake a state visit to Australia on 24-26 May 2017 at the invitation of Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull. The visit takes place as both countries celebrate the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations this year.
