Having regard to the substantial progress achieved by Sri Lanka in dealing with a variety of complex challenges since the advent of peace and also in view of the clearly formulated rules governing the scope of CMAG’s role, there is absolutely no justification for introducing any issues relating to Sri Lanka into the agenda of the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group, Professor G.L. Peiris, Minister of External Affairs, said in Dhaka on Thursday.
He made these remarks in the course of a wide ranging discussion with Dr. Dipu Moni, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh, at her Ministry during a two-day official visit to Bangladesh.
Prof. Peiris, who provided his counterpart in the government of Bangladesh with a detailed briefing on current developments in Sri Lanka, used the opportunity to inform her of the substance of the discussions which took place in Colombo during the visit by Commonwealth Secretary-General Kamalesh Sharma to Sri Lanka last week.
The Minister said that exercise of the good offices role of the Secretary-General was quite evident from the wide range of consultations which he had with representatives of the government, the diplomatic community and several statutory agencies. He pointed out that exhaustion of the good offices role of the Secretary-General is a condition precedent for any specific country situation to be included in the agenda of CMAG. This is clear from the rules relating to CMAG, adopted by the Commonwealth Heads of Government at their meeting in Perth, Western Australia, in October 2011.
Prof. Peiris told Dr. Moni that he had set out this position with clarity to Secretary-General Sharma in correspondence as well as at discussions in London and Colombo during the last few days. This had also been communicated, he said, through their High Commissioners in London to the Foreign Ministers of all nine countries which are members of CMAG.
Bangladesh is currently the Chair of CMAG.
The two Foreign Ministers, at their bilateral discussion, engaged in a comprehensive discussion of these issues.
A wide spectrum of bilateral matters formed part of the discussion.
Prof. Peiris informed Dr. Moni that Sri Lanka is planning to host the World Conference on Youth next year, and would present a Resolution in this regard at the United Nations General Assembly later this year.
The Ministers noted the close relations both countries have maintained in the field of defence co-operation, with special reference to military training. They attached importance to closer collaboration in the security and intelligence sector, including maritime security establishments to safeguard sea lanes in the Indian Ocean.
They noted with satisfaction that Sri Lanka’s exports to Bangladesh have increased by almost 150% during the last five years and that trade between the two countries is growing at a stable pace. Avenues for further expansion of trade were explored.
While welcoming the increase in the tourist arrivals from Bangladesh to Sri Lanka with the commencement of five direct flights per week by Mihin Lanka, the Ministers thought it appropriate to revisit the existing Air Services Agreement to make it more responsive to current needs, including facilities for transport of air cargo.
Minister Peiris requested Bangladesh to consider resuming its feeder service for Chittagong and Mongla Ports via Colombo Port and the new Hambantota Port.
