On the invitation of the Government of Australia, Secretary, Ministry of Defence & Urban Development Mr. Gotabaya Rajapaksa led a senior level delegation to the Second Joint Working Group (JWG) Meeting which was held under the co-chairmanship of Mr. Martin Bowles, Secretary, Department of Immigration and Border Protection, on 21-23 April 2014 in Canberra.
The highlight of the proceedings was the historical signing of the transfer of deeds for the outright gift of two Bay Class Patrol Vessels by Australia to Sri Lanka. The deeds were signed by Hon. Scott Morrison, Minister of Immigration and Border Protection and Mr. Rajapaksa in the presence of the two High Commissioners of the respective countries.
Addressing the JWG gathering, Hon. Scott Morrison, thanked the Government of Sri Lanka for the concerted efforts of the Ministry of Defence and the relevant agencies, especially the Sri Lanka Navy in helping the Government of Australia to combat human smuggling. The Minister emphasised the need for a focus on other fields of development and acknowledged the tangible post-conflict achievements of Sri Lanka.
Responding to the Minister, Secretary/Defence & Urban Development Mr. Rajapaksa thanked the Government of Australia for the invaluable gift of the two naval vessels which would considerably enhance Sri Lanka’s capability in border protection. He endorsed the model and the mechanism that was followed by the JWG, which facilitated a productive exchange of views and engagement with several agencies. He congratulated both parties of the JWG for making progress within a short period of time and agreeing to be a part of other similar regional mechanisms where both countries could engage effectively.
Mr. Rajapaksa also thanked the Government of Australia for the bold decision in not co-sponsoring this year’s resolution against Sri Lanka at the Human Rights Council.
Secretary/Defence during, his Australian visit, met following senior officials and discussed matters of mutual interest and agreed to work with them in strengthening bilateral cooperation.:-
a) Mr. Dennis Richardson, Secretary/Defence
b) Air Marshal Mark Binskin, Chief of Defence Force-designate
c) Mr. Chris Birrer, Asst. Secretary, Major Powers, Department of Defence
d) Mr. Chris Moraitis, Acting Secretary, Department of Foreign Affairs
e) Mr. Michael Pezzullo, Chief Executive Officer, Australian Customs and Border Protection
f) Mr. Nick Warner, Director General, Australian Secret Intelligence Service
Secretary/Defence also had a brief unscheduled meeting with the Minister of Defence, Hon. David Johnston, who conveyed the appreciation of the Australian government for the outstanding performance of the Sri Lanka Navy and reiterated Australia’s commitment to continue the engagement with Sri Lanka.
During the discussions, it was indicated that Government of Australia considers accountability and human rights concerns should be addressed within an internal mechanism and not by any international investigation as suggested by other countries. The Australian side indicated that they would render all possible assistance to Sri Lanka in this regard.
The visit of the Secretary/Defence to Australia that took place at an important juncture has positively raised the level of cooperation between the two countries and an enhanced understanding of the challenges that Sri Lanka faces due to unsubstantiated and unfounded allegations.
Mr. Rajapaksa also visited the newly constructed Sri Lanka High Commission building and met High Commission officials and the staff. Having made a tour of the Chancery and the facilities, the Defence Secretary conveyed his appreciation of the work carried out by the staff of the Mission. To mark this significant visit to Australia and the Sri Lanka High Commission, Secretary/Defence planted a tree at the Chancery premises.
The Sri Lankan delegation included High Commissioner Admiral Thisara Samarasinghe, officials of the High Commission and senior officials of Ministries of Defence and Urban Development, External Affairs and Justice and Sri Lanka Navy, National Intelligence Service, Sri Lanka Coast Guard, Sri Lanka Police, Departments of Attorney General, Immigration and Emigration.
The Australian delegation consisted of High Commissioner for Australia in Sri Lanka, Robyn Mudie, Lt. Gen. Angus Campbell Commander of the Joint Task Force Operations “Sovereign Borders” and senior officials from the National Security and Criminal Justice Group, Border Protections Command and the People Smuggling Task Force.
High Commission of Sri Lanka
Canberra
29th April 2014
Signing of the gift transfer deeds of two Bay Class Patrol Vessels to Sri Lanka
Group photo of the JWG
Joint Working Group in progress
Exchange pleasantries between Hon. Scott Morrison, Minister of Immigration and Border Protection and Mr. Gotabaya Rajapaksa, Secretary of the Ministry of Defence and Urban Development
Planting of tree at the Sri Lanka High Commission
Sri Lanka High Commission Mural Sculpture
