අමාත්‍යාංශයේ මාධ්‍ය නිවේදන – Page 254 – විදේශ කටයුතු අමාත්‍යාංශය

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.

SLAF transports equipment to repair desalination plant in Male in a special humanitarian operation

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Maldivian Foreign Minister Dunya Maumoon greeting the Sri Lanka Air Force crew at Ibrahim Nasir International Airport, Hulhule' Island, Maldives

Continuing Sri Lanka’s assistance to Maldives to address the ongoing water crisis in the capital, Male, the Sri Lanka Air Force in a special humanitarian operation today (11 December 2014), transported from Singapore to Maldives, the essential spares and accessories for repair of the desalination facility in Male. Due to the size and dimensions of the cargo, it was not feasible to dispatch the equipment on a commercial flight. Therefore, acceding to a request from the Government of Maldives, President Mahinda Rajapaksa directed the Sri Lanka Air Force to undertake the transport of the equipment to Maldives on an urgent basis.

Message on the occasion of the SAARC Charter Day

I am delighted to convey my warm greetings and best wishes on the occasion of the SAARC Charter Day.

Three decades ago, our countries established SAARC with the conviction that regional co-operation among countries of South Asia is mutually beneficial, desirable and necessary for promoting the welfare and improving the quality of life of the people of our region. Since then, SAARC has witnessed steady progress in a wide range of areas identified for co-operation and we can take some pride on our achievements since 1985. Nevertheless, our regular assessment of SAARC has prompted us to appreciate the need for making the organization more result oriented and people centric. The declaration “Deeper Integration for Peace and Prosperity”, of the 18^th SAARC Summit, in fact reflects this collective desire and provides a road map for our forward movement.

Sri Lanka provides immediate assistance to relieve potable water crisis in Maldives

The Government of Sri Lanka commenced delivery of drinking water to the Maldivian capital Malé by the evening of 5^th December. Malé is facing a severe shortage of drinking water, following a fire on the previous day at its sole water purification plant which disrupted the water supply to the city, and prompted the authorities to declare a "disaster situation." Malé is one of the most densely populated cities in the world and is home to over 100,000 people, being approximately one third of the total population of the Maldives.