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Thursday, 19 January 2012 17:34

Statement by Ambassador H.E. Palitha T.B. Kohona
Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka to the United Nations
at the Security Council Open Debate

“The promotion and strengthening of the rule of law in the maintenance of international peace and security”

19 January 2012

“The principle of sovereign equality enshrined in the UN Charter which is intrinsic to the international rule of law must be maintained as international rules are made and implemented. It is a clear principle that Member States must respect, and which protects all States, especially the small and the weak. Equally important, is the maintenance of the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of Member States, especially in situations that do not pose a threat to international peace and security. Specific circumstances may call for involvement which should be based on the agreement of all States. Unilateral and selective applications of international law principles must be avoided. Considering that the principles that are accepted as being part of the international rule of law, took centuries to evolve, any temptation to expect them to dawn everywhere, with equal effect, at short notice must also be resisted.”

News

Thursday, 19 January 2012 17:23

Sri Lanka and the Republic of Mali Establish Diplomatic Relation

Sri Lanka and the Republic of Mali established formal diplomatic relations on 19th January, 2012. H.E. Dr. Palitha T.B. Kohona, Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka to the United Nations signed the Memorandum of Understanding on behalf of Sri Lanka, while H.E. Mr. Oumar Daou signed for the Republic of Mali. The relationship between the two countries dates as far back as 1960, when Sri Lanka along with Tunisia sponsored the resolution which facilitated the admission of Mali to the United Nations. The two Permanent Representatives expressed their expectation that this agreement will significantly contribute to the consolidation of bilateral relations, particularly the promotion of commerce, trade, cultural relations and friendship between the two countries. Both sides agreed to work closely on international issues. The importance of sharing each others’ expertise in the fields of agriculture and development was also expressed by Dr. Kohona.

News

Thursday, 12 January 2012 17:39
Visit of Canadian Parliamentary Delegation to Sri Lanka to assess the Post- conflict Reconciliation and Developments in Sri Lanka, 8th to 11th January, 2012 On the invitation of the Acting Minister of External Affairs Hon. Neomal Perera, a Parliamentary delegation from Canada comprising Hon. Chungen Leung (M.P.), Parliamentary Secretary for Immigration and Multiculturalism and Deputy Minister of the Government of Canada, Hon. Joe Daniel (M.P.), and Marlene Gallyot Special Assistant to Hon. Joe Daniel (for Sri Lanka) visited Sri Lanka from 8th to 11th January, 2012. The delegation paid a courtesy call on the Acting Minister at the Ministry of External Affairs.
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News

Wednesday, 21 December 2011 11:10

Statement
by

Hon. Nimal Siripala de Silva

(Leader of the House)

at the Sri Lanka Parliament
upon tabling the final report

the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission
(LLRC)

The achievement of national reconciliation is one of the principal aims of the government after the eradication of terrorism. The reign of terror, which our country had to endure for thirty long years, was the main impediment to economic and social development in every sector. It is a matter or deep satisfaction to the government that it has been able to rid Sri Lanka of this menace. We now have the opportunity, which eluded us for so long, to derive the fullest benefit from our country’s natural strengths and, in particular, from the unique caliber of our human resources.

News

Monday, 12 December 2011 13:28

More supportive Approach to Sri Lanka needed says MEP
Mr Geoffrey Van Orden MBE MEP
Chairman of the Friends of Sri Lanka Group in the European Parliament

Following a recent visit to Sri Lanka, the Chairman of the European Parliament's informal 'Friends of Sri Lanka' Group has called for supportive engagement with Sri Lanka as it recovers from 30 years of conflict.

Media release

Friday, 09 December 2011 11:59

Prof. G.L.Peiris, Minister of External Affairs met EU Parliamentarians

Three Members of the European Parliament representing the Socialists and Democrats Alliance (S & D)called on External Affairs Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris at the Ministry on Tuesday. From left to right - Mrs. Ana Gomez ( Portugal ), Mr. Richard Howitt (UK), Mr. David Martin (UK)

Invitation

Monday, 16 January 2012 15:06

Celebration of the 64th Anniversary of Independence & the National Day of Sri Lanka-2012

Dear Friends,

The dawn of the New Year marks the beginning of a new era of development in Sri Lanka’s history. We invite you to attend the celebrations marking the 64th Anniversary of the Independence of Sri Lanka and to rejoice as one community in the renewed expectations for the future progress of our nation.

Please circulate the attached invitation amongst your family members, friends and friends of Sri Lanka.

Show your solidarity with the motherland and join us on Saturday, 4th February.

Ambassador and Permanent Representative
& the staff of the Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka to the UN, New York

Date : Saturday, 4th February 2012
Time : from 3.00 p.m. onwards
Venue : Springer Concert Hall
Centre for the Arts
College of Staten Island
2800,Victory Boulevard
Staten Island
New York 10314

Download Invitation

Issue of a Personalised Stamp in Canada

Tuesday, 10 January 2012 14:52
Following reports in the LTTE affiliated websites and media on the alleged issue of a personalised stamp by Canada Post Corporation promoting the LTTE’s separatist agenda which also includes a reference to “genocide”, the High Commission of Sri Lanka in Canada on 3rd January 2012 sent two letters, one to Denis Lebel, MP, Minister responsible for Canada Post Corporation and the other to Mr. Deepak Chopra, President and CEO of Canada post to register Sri Lanka’s protest and expressing the deep concern of the High Commission on this matter. This issue was also brought to the notice of the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Canada.
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News

Tuesday, 20 December 2011 10:17

Jaffna International Trade Fair 2012 (January 20 – 22, 2012), Jaffna

Please click here for more details

News

Friday, 09 December 2011 12:14

Meaningful democracy requires closest interaction between govt and community

The Speech,delivered by H.E. the President at the Democracy Forum,Bali,Indonesia on December 08,2011

If democracy is to be meaningful and command their respect, it must have a direct impact on their everyday lives. This necessarily calls for the closest possible interaction between government and the community. The mechanisms of government must have effective application at the grassroots level, in order to address issues and to provide relief, President Mahinda Rajapaksa said addressing the Bali Democracy Forum IV in Bali, Indonesia this morning (Nov 08).

Media Release

Friday, 09 December 2011 11:52

Prime Minister of Qatar Sheikh Hamad Bin Jassim Bin Jabr Al-Thani to visit Sri Lanka

The Prime Minister and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad Bin Jassim Bin Jabr Al-Thani is scheduled to undertake an official visit to Sri Lanka from December 12-13, 2011, on an invitation from the Government of Sri Lanka.

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