Media Release

 “Sri Lanka should be encouraged in its reconciliation process, rather than being singled out for any disproportionate attention in the HRC”

Exercising a ‘right of Reply’ to a statement made by Ms Esther Brimmer, US Assistant Secretary of State for international organisations during the High Level Segment of the 22nd Human Rights Council today ( 26 February 2013), Ms. Priyanga Wicremasinghe, Counsellor of the Sri Lanka Permanent Mission in Geneva said, “Sri Lanka should be encouraged in its reconciliation process, rather than being singled out for any disproportionate attention in this Council”. She said, “it is especially so, at a time when having overcome a 30-year long terrorist conflict, as well as having averted what many feared would be a ‘humanitarian catastrophe’, Sri Lanka is implementing a comprehensive process of reconciliation involving all communities based on the National Action Plan on the implementation of the recommendations of the LLRC”.  

Full intervention made by Counsellor Wicremasinghe is below:

Right of Reply of Sri Lanka to the Statement made by the US, 26th February 2013 

Mr President, 

My delegation wishes to exercise its right of reply with regard to the reference to Sri Lanka contained in the statement made today, by Ms Esther Brimmer, Assistant Secretary of State for international organisations, of the USA. 

Statement by H.E. Dr. Palitha T.B. Kohona,
Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka to the United Nations

UN Security Council Open Debate
Protection of Civilians in Armed Conflict
12th February, 2013, New York

Mr. President,

Let me join the previous speakers in thanking the Republic of Korea for convening this open debate under its Presidency. I would also like to thank the Secretary-General, the High Commissioner for Human Rights, the Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and the Director of the International Committee of the Red Cross for their helpful statements.

The Sri Lanka delegation associates itself with the statement delivered on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement by the delegation of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Independence Day Message of Hon. Minister of External Affairs

Today, we celebrate Sri Lanka’s 65th National Day with the realization of a sustainable peace supplemented by comprehensive economic and social development programmes benefiting the people in all parts of our motherland.

The Government under the visionary leadership of President Mahinda Rajapaksa continues to strengthen the extensive socioeconomic development process that envisages the betterment of its peoples while achieving an 8% annual growth rate since the eradication of separatist terrorism from the island.  Large scale infrastructure projects with newly built roads, air and sea ports amply demonstrate the robust economic agenda of Sri Lanka.

Media Release

Diplomatic Reception: 65th Independence Day of Sri Lanka

The Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka to the United Nations in New York hosted a Reception at its new chancery premiseson 5thFebruary to celebrateSri Lanka’sIndependence Day. The event was attended by over 300 guests including Heads of Mission and other diplomats from 193 countries, the President of the General Assembly, business personalities, bankers, community leaders, philanthropists, media personnel, educators and artists.

The guests were received by Permanent Representative, Dr. Palitha Kohona and Deputy Permanent Representative, Major General Shavendra Silva. A documentary on Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage and scenic beauty was screened. A buffet dinner was provided reflectingSri Lanka’s distinct dishes and was greatly appreciated by all.  Guests left with a gift pack of spices and tea provided by the Export Development Board, and tourism promotion material gifted by Explore Lanka.

The Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka with the President of General Assembly

The Permanent Representative and the Deputy Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka with the Permanent Representative of India

The Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka with the Permanent Representative of Kazakhstan, Chair of the PR's Association

The Permanent representative of Sri Lanka with the Permanent Representative of Fiji -Chair of the G77 and China

The Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka with the President of European Union

'Sri Lanka has made more gains post-conflict than Northern Ireland' 

Northern Ireland parliamentarian for North Antrim from Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) Ian Paisley Jr said that Sri Lanka has made more measurable gains post-conflict than Northern Ireland. That is what he has seen on the ground, and British politicians should recognise it and stop the suffocation of a country by its past and help Sri Lanka to move forward to a better future. He made these strong comments with passion at Westminister Hall, UK Parliament during the debate on ‘Sri Lanka and the United Nations responsibility to protect’ from 9.30am to 11.00am on Tuesday 08 January 2013.