With the defeat of terrorism, the time is opportune to enhance relations between Sri Lanka and Poland observed Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama when Prof. Piotr Klodkowski, Ambassador of the Republic of Poland paid a courtesy call on the Minister last Tuesday (26 May 2009) following his presentation of credentials to H.E. the President earlier in the day. The Minister pointed out that Poland must reflect on the present Sri Lankan agenda which could be enhanced through economic diplomacy and in this context outlined the need for working towards developing the tea trade, tourism and the technological field especially in IT. Further, the Minister stated that Poland could cooperate with Sri Lanka in providing facilities to the IDPs for which the government was following an action plan.

At the invitation of the H.E. Mahinda Rajapaksa, President of Sri Lanka, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, H.E. Ban Ki-moon paid a visit to Sri Lanka.  During the course of his visit, he held talks with the President, Foreign Minister as well as other senior leaders of Sri Lanka.    During his stay, he also consulted other relevant stakeholders, members of the international humanitarian agencies and civil society.  The Secretary-General visited the IDP sites at Vavuniya and overflew the conflict area, near Mullaitivu that was the scene of the conflict.

Address by His Excellency President Mahinda Rajapaksa at the ceremonial opening of Parliament, Sri Jayawardhanapura – Kotte ,May 19, 2009

I declare open this fourth session of Parliament at a time the people of our country, as well as the entire world are celebrating a great victory.

I address this session of Parliament at the historic occasion when the hopes and expectations of the Sinhala, Tamil, Muslim, Burgher, Malay and all people of our country for several decades, to see a Sri Lanka that is free of murderous terrorism, have been realized.

Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama at a meeting last Saturday (02nd May 2009) with Japan's Representative for Peace Building to Sri Lanka, Ambassador Yasushi Akashi, stated that Sri Lanka is encouraged by Japan’s continued interest in seeing the establishment of peace in Sri Lanka and its continued constructive engagement in Sri Lanka.  The Japanese Special Envoy was in Sri Lanka on a three-day visit last week to meet Government leaders and officials. Pointing out that Sri Lanka is on the threshold of defeating terrorism unleashed by the LTTE, the Foreign Minister stated that the next phase in this aspect is post-conflict rehabilitation, reconstruction and rebuilding for ‘sustainable development’ in bringing about lasting peace for the people of Sri Lanka.  He expressed Sri Lanka's appreciation for Japan’s continued support for the immediate needs of the IDPs and for post conflict development efforts in the country.