The Sri Lanka High Commission, London, in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Export Development Board, Colombo, held a Business/Networking Event for British Companies on  September 27, 2011 at Asia House,  London, to launch Expo 2012 and engage British Business and Industry on a UK Trade and Investment Mission to Sri Lanka during Expo March 28 – 30, 2011.

This  business forum entitled “ Partnering with the Hub of Asia”  which was attended  by a wide representation from the UK trade, industry, government, banking sector, media, leisure industry etc.  Commenced with an opening welcome address by H.E. Dr. Chris Nonis High Commissioner for Sri Lanka, who focused on the plethora of commercial and economic opportunities that have emerged in the wake of the restoration of peace and political stability in the Island. He emphasized the progressive socio – economic indices and the growth in infrastructure, national income, re-construction in the North and the East and  other development projects taking place in Sri Lanka in the aftermath of  peace noting in particular the opportunities for British Business to engage in the sectors of  power, energy, road construction, ICT, Education, Manufacturing, Trade and  agri-business in particular.

The High Commissioner reiterated that Sri Lanka is focused on becoming the Commercial, Shipping, Aviation IT, and Services Hub of the Region

Expo 2012 would be a catalyst event to bring in international trading and investment partners to Sri Lanka. British Companies who wish to engage anew or replenish existing ties with the Island’s commerce and economic agents were strongly encouraged to take this opportunity of visiting Sri Lanka during the mega trade & investment forum organized in Colombo during March 28-30, 2012. Representatives of Asia House, PathFinder Trade & Invest Gateway Asia and British – Sri Lanka Chamber of Commerce who are supporting the efforts of the Trade Section of the Sri Lanka High Commission to launch a UK Business Mission to Sri Lanka during Expo 2012 also addressed the gathering regarding the forthcoming visit to Sri Lanka

The Key Note address at the event was given by Mr. Janaka Ratnayake, Chairman/CEO of the Sri Lanka Export Development Board, which comprised a detailed presentation of the Expo 2012 as well as the bilateral trade relations between Sri Lanka and UK, the global outreach through promotions of the event.

Ministry of External Affairs
Colombo

September 30, 2011

Multilateral organizations’ structures, procedures must remain consistent:

Rasika SOMARATHNA

It is vitally important that the structures and procedures of multilateral organizations remain consistent and devoid of discrimination, External Affairs Minister Prof G.L.Peiris told the diplomatic community in Colombo yesterday.

Referring to sending the ‘Darusman’ Report to the UN Human Rights Council recently, the minister said that this was not in keeping with the UN procedural requirements.

He said that deep regret had been expressed to the UN Secretary General at the non-consultation of Sri Lanka prior to the Report being sent to the President of the UN Human Rights Council.

“It was pointed out that Sri Lanka as the concerned party was not informed of such an action and it came to light through a third party in Geneva, who had been informed by the UN Human Rights Commissioner,” he added.

The minister noted that the UN Secretary General had admitted that there had been a lapse. Commenting on the moves made by Canada during the 18th session of the UN Human Rights Council to have an interactive dialogue on Sri Lanka especially on the LLRC report at the next session in March 2012, Prof Peiris said that the attempt was procedurally flawed.

He said that the LLRC report does not physically exist and it was due on November 15. Many countries after being informed about the situation, acknowledged the danger in allowing action on a domestic process which is yet to see the light of day, he added.

Such selective and subjective action could not only affect Sri Lanka but any country in the future, the minister added stressing on the need to stick with established procedure.

The minister also said that he had recently attended the annual Commonwealth Foreign Ministers’ Meeting where most developing countries, including Sri Lanka, had questioned the value addition of a Commonwealth charter prepared by compiling all existing rules and declarations.

Report to the Cabinet by External Affairs Minister to be published tomorrow.

Source: Daily News, September 30, 2011

Prof. Peiris fumes over proposals targeting govt.

September 29, 2011, 12:00 pm

By Shamindra Ferdinando

The Sri Lankan government yesterday (29) alleged that a small but influential section of the Commonwealth was carrying out an anti-Sri Lankan campaign ahead of the forthcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Perth, Western Australia.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa is scheduled to attend CHOGM 2011 in late October 2011.

External Affairs Minister Prof. G. L. Peiris, while expressing serious concern over the move, stated that a disgraceful attempt was being made to manipulate the Commonwealth to undermine a member state. Prof. Peiris criticised two sets of proposals prepared by the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG) and the Eminent Persons Group (EPG) on the revamping of the association. Prof. Peiris was flanked by MP Sajin Vass Gunawardena and Foreign Secretary Karunathilake Amunugama.

Addressing the Colombo-based diplomatic community, Prof. Peiris said that among the proposals, nothing could be as bad as the move to appoint a Commonwealth Commissioner on Human Rights, Democracy and the Rule of Law. Prof. Peiris said that the majority of those at the annual Commonwealth Foreign Ministers Meeting had expressed concerns over the contentious issues.

The UK, Australia, Canada and New Zealand backed the controversial proposals. The move was made in the wake of Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s warning that he would boycott CHOGM 2013 in Sri Lankan unless the Rajapaksa government acted on accountability concerns.

Minister Peiris said that the Commonwealth had been sharply divided over the proposals made at the annual Commonwealth Foreign Ministers Meeting.

He pointed out the illogicality of another Canadian move to have a firm decision on an ‘interactive dialogue’ on the report of the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) at the 19th Session of the Human Rights Council (HRC) scheduled for March 2012. Prof. Peiris said that Canada had wanted to decide on this issue at the on-going 18th Sessions of the HRC in Geneva even before the LLRC released its report. Calling the move a gross abuse of process, Prof. Peiris urged those sceptical about Sri Lanka’s intentions not to pre-judge.

Minister Peiris said that there could be more victims if Sri Lanka was allowed to be manipulated now. During a subsequent meeting between Canadian Foreign Minister and Prof. Peiris, the former had said that they postponed the move pending the release of the LLRC report.

Responding to a query by the Canadian HC Bruce Levy, Prof. Peiris assured that the LLRC report would be released by or before Nov. 15, 2011. He said that it would be a public document.

Minister Peiris asserted that the moves made targeting Sri Lanka by some Commonwealth members had been considered against the backdrop of a recent clandestine transmission of the controversial ‘Darusman report’ to UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and Human Rights Council.

Source: Island, September 30, 2011

Friday, 30 September 2011 01:04

By Dianne Silva

The Sri Lankan government which rejected a move by the Commonwealth Ministerial  Action Group to appoint a Commissioner on Democracy, Human Rights and the Rule of Law said yesterday the push for a “punitive role” by a few commonwealth countries could cause a split in the organisation.

Speaking to the diplomatic community yesterday External Affairs Minister G.L Peiris said he had pointed out four areas of contention regarding the proposed recommendations of the Eminent Persons Group (EPG) of the Commonwealth regarding the establishment of the commissioner’s office and role.

“I pointed out that the establishment of such a commissioner, that is the administrative arm of such an organization, as it is not logical prior to a charter that delineates the ambit of the organization,” he said.

He said it was far more important to strengthen the present institutions before new ones were established and also opposed the reallocation of finances for these new proposals.

The minister said the report proposed that the commissioner would look into matters where there was a “serious and persistent violation of human rights”.

“This is a subjective judgment and Uganda spoke up very strongly that this was far too intrusive a process,” he said.

The minister had expressed in his brief to the Lankan cabinet that “concerns were expressed on the revitalization of the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG) as contained in the EPG report.

Australia, Canada, New Zealand and Britain were among the few who spoke in favour of these recommendations of the EPG. This demonstrated that it is a few players of the Association who are pursuing the inclusion of a punitive role, which could cause a split in the Organisation.”

Addressing the diplomatic community the minister also warned that excessive pressure on Sri Lanka would be counterproductive.

“Talks with the TNA and all Tamil parties are important and the future of Sri Lanka and means far more to us than to any other government. However pressure beyond a particular point to speed up these talks will not be of much help,” he warned.

Source:  Daily Mirror, September 30, 2011

Relations between Sri Lanka and Oman are going from strength to strength and the new Sri Lankan Ambassador, Asoka Girihagama, hopes to do his bit to further boost the already robust ties.

Girihagama, who started his stint in the Sultanate early this month, told the Times of Oman in an exclusive interview, that he hopes to improve the trade, cultural and tourism ties on a priority basis.

“Among the first of my objectives is to facilitate an exchange of visits between the Heads of State of the two nations. Secondly, I plan to work out exchange of ministerial and official level visits” the Ambassador said.

“We share very close bilateral ties. Our relationship goes back so many decades. Besides, Oman and Sri Lanka are dealing at the international level since we are members of organisations such as the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM)”, Girihagama said.

On trade figures, the Ambassador said in 2010 exports from Sri Lanka to Oman stood at $ 9.3 million, Exports from Oman to Sri Lanka stood at $ 93 million.

Stating that Oman can invest in different sectors in Sri Lanka, the Ambassador said, After the end of terrorism in May 2009, some regions are being developed by the Government with the support of the international community. There are many development projects taking place. For example, many roads and bridges are being developed. Oman can invest in Sri Lanka through infrastructure and agricultural projects.” Girihagama explained that the Northern and Eastern parts of the country, which have been devastated by the 30-year terrorism, need to be rebuilt from scratch.

The Ambassador sees big potential in close cooperation in the tourism sector” since both countries are tourist destinations.”

“We can both learn from each other on how to develop tourism. I would be meeting the Sultanate’s minister responsible for tourism to take this forward.”There are around 25,000 Sri Lankans living in Oman and the Ambassador hopes to work closely with the community members.

“As part of the process I shall be interacting with members of the Sri Lankan Social Club and the Sri Lankan School’s board of directors.” Considering that a majority of Sri Lankans in Oman are in the blue collar category, he said the Sri Lankan Government conducts pre-departure awareness programs for citizens travelling to Middle East countries.

Source: Daily News (26 September 2011)

*Internally displaced resettled

*Demining operations underway

*LG polls held in North and East

President Mahinda Rajapaksa in New York to attend the 66th UN General Assembly sessions explained to Heads of State of Slovenia, Kirghistan and Nigeria the progress achieved after the defeat of terrorism.

President Rajapaksa during discussions with them on Tuesday afternoon, explained the current situation in Sri Lanka to the Heads of State, including the progress achieved in re-settling internally displaced following the defeat of terrorism, demining operations and the local government elections held in the Northern and Eastern Provinces recently, said a press release by the President’s Media division.

President Rajapaksa also explained to them the massive development schemes currently under way and the economic progress achieved by Sri Lanka.

During the discussions, Kirghistan President Roza Otunbayeva, highly acclaimed the quality of tea produced in Sri Lanka. President Rajapaksa requested her to send a trade delegation from Kirghistan to Sri Lanka to make a detailed study about Sri Lankan tea.

Slovenia’s President Dr Danilo Turk said the peace and reconciliation now in progress in Sri Lanka is an example to the whole world.

He also commended Sri Lanka for achieving a rapid economic growth rate within a short time after ending the conflict.

Matters pertaining to economic, trade and several other sectors vital for both countries figured prominently during the discussions held with Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan. Both leaders also discussed measures to improve friendly relations between the two countries.

Meanwhile, US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian region Robert Blake also met President Rajapaksa and held discussions with him. External Affairs Minister Prof G L Peiris, Secretary to the President Lalith Weeratunge, Sri Lanka’s permanent representative to UN Dr Palitha Kohona and Deputy Permanent Representative Shavendra Silva also participated in the discussions.

Source: Daily News (22 September 2011)

As directed by President Mahinda Rajapaksa, a twelve member Sri Lankan medical team arrived in Lahore, Pakistan on September 14th to share their expertise with Pakistani authorities in treating the dengue patients and help control dengue mainly in the Punjab province. Upon arrival at the Lahore Airport, the Sri Lankan team was received by the Chief Minister of Panjab, Shahbaz Sharif.

The Chief Minister expressed his gratitude to the Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa for dispatching the medical team to Pakistan to assist the authorities in tackling the dengue fever. The leader of Sri Lanka delegation, Dr. Hasitha Tissera symbolically handed over a package of medicine and other items to the Chief Minister for the treatment of dengue patients and to help control the spread of disease. Sri Lankan team of experts is the first foreign medical delegation to arrive on a request made by the Government of Pakistan to the international community.

The Sri Lankan experts during their stay in Pakistan would share their expertise with Pakistan medical officers, nurses and grass-roots level social leaders. 

So far, over 9000 dengue cases have been reported in Lahore and nine people have died of the virus.

Sri Lanka High Commission
Islamabad

20^th September, 2011

High Commissioner Chitranganee Wagiswara called on the Canadian Foreign Minister John Baird on 14th September 2011 at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

As this was the first meeting the High Commissioner had with the new Foreign Minister, she thanked the Minister for providing the opportunity to discuss important issues of interest to both countries. While acknowledging the long standing links between Sri Lanka and Canada, the High Commissioner briefed the Foreign Minister on the post conflict development activities being undertaken in Sri Lanka following the defeat of terrorism in May 2009. The High Commissioner also explained the initiatives taken by Sri Lanka on issues pertaining to consolidating peace and reconciliation and outlined the Government’s plans for the future. In this context, High Commissioner Wagiswara discussed the activities of the Sri Lankan Diaspora in Canada with the focus on the promotion of multiculturalism and integration.

High Commissioner Wagiswara also referred to the recent statement made by the Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper on the next Commonwealth Summit to be hosted in Sri Lanka in 2013. Clarifying Sri Lanka’s position, she stated that the Commonwealth Member States in 2009, at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting [CHOGM] held in Trinidad & Tobago decided to hold the 2013 Summit in Sri Lanka and therefore it would be unfair to reopen the issue and that the arrangements for hosting the summit in 2013 are already underway.

The possibility of arranging for a visit to Sri Lanka by a group of Canadian Members of Parliament was also discussed among other matters.

Mr. Kenneth Macartney, Director General South East Asia & Ocenia (GSD) of the Department of Foreign Affairs & International Trade was also associated with the Foreign Minister at the discussion. The High Commissioner was accompanied by Mr. Sumith Dassanayake, Minister Counsellor of the High Commission.

High Commission of Sri Lanka
Ottawa,Canada
15th September 2011