March 16, 2015
Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi who visited Sri Lanka at the invitation of President Maithripala Sirisena concluded his two-day official visit on Saturday 14 March 2015. He was received on arrival by Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe along with several dignitaries. The visit follows President Maithripala Sirisena’s first overseas visit to India in February 2015.
The Prime Minister of India was accorded a ceremonial welcome on 13 March 2015 at the Presidential Secretariat including a Guard of Honour and the Gun Salute. The President of Sri Lanka, accompanied by the Prime Minister Wickremesinghe and several Cabinet Ministers and, officials engaged in bilateral talks with the visiting Prime Minister and the Indian delegation. President Sirisena hosted a Banquet in honour of the visiting Prime Minister. Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe hosted a lunch in honour of Prime Minister Modi at which most of the Members of Parliament were present. On Friday (13 March) the Indian Prime Minister addressed a Special Sitting of the Parliament, visited the Mahabodhi Society in Colombo, laid a floral wreath at the IPKF memorial and addressed a gathering of the Business Community.
The official discussions on 13 March between the two countries were marked by friendship, mutual respect and understanding. President Sirisena welcoming Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the historic nature of the visit which is the first stand alone visit of an Indian Prime Minister to Sri Lanka in 28 years. He recalled his fruitful State Visit to India in February and reiterated his thanks and gratitude for the warmth and generosity accorded to him by the Government and people of India.
Characterizing the visit of Prime Minister Modi as a great honour bestowed on Sri Lanka, President Sirisena said it further consolidates a relationship which spans thousands of years. He observed that the expanse and depth of the areas which at present straddle the bilateral relationship in the political, economic, cultural, and security related spheres and people to people contacts is a manifestation of a relationship which has matured into an excellent example of bilateral understanding.
Prime Minister Modi in his remarks said he was proud that an Indian Prime Minister has undertaken a visit even after 28 years infusing a new energy and confidence to the relationship. He thanked the government of Sri Lanka for the historic opportunity to address the Parliament at its Special Sitting. While views on recent developments in the political sphere were shared, Prime Minister Modi commended the Government for building unity and elevating the level of confidence within Sri Lanka which he said was important to India and the region. He also commended the efforts by President Sirisena to build an inclusive future for Sri Lanka. While assuring that India will not allow its territory to be used for any activities inimical to Sri Lanka the Indian Prime Minister emphasized that India would stand by Sri Lanka to build a future that accommodates
all sections of society.
The discussions also particularly focused on all matters of bilateral importance including the multifaceted areas of development cooperation, education, technology, fisheries, connectivity, culture, trade and economic relations, energy, defence and security, anti-narcotics, health, agriculture and Indian Ocean & maritime affairs. The two leaders agreed to take forward the discussions of the recent high level visits with concrete initiatives on all areas of mutual interest.
While Sri Lanka’s appreciation on India’s development assistance valued at US $ 1.6 Billion including in areas of housing, transport infrastructure, health, was re-iterated by President Sirisena, Prime Minister Modi in turn expressed India’s willingness to extend further cooperation on Sri Lanka’s needs. The Indian Premier announced an additional credit line for the railway sector valued at US $ 318 million. A currency swap worth US $ 1.5 billion between the Central Bank of Sri Lanka and the Reserve Bank of India was also announced.
The two sides have agreed to take forward the several bilateral initiatives at officials/experts level in the areas of ; Ocean economy; electricity grid connectivity, joint development of the upper Oil Tank Farms in Trincomalee; recommencement of ferry services; and, the establishment of the Ramayana trail in Sri Lanka and the Buddhist circuit in India to reinvigorate tourism and people to people contacts.
Prime Minister Modi announced India’s intention to extend a facility of ‘on arrival’ tourist visa through electronic system for Sri Lankan nationals which will be operationlized on 14th April to coincide with both the birthday of the Indian Buddhist leader Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar and the Sinhala and Tamil New Year. He also announced the early commencement of Air India direct flights between New Delhi and Colombo; the ‘Festival Of India’; and, holding the “Cricket Connect” exhibition which will coincide with the Indian Cricket Team’s tour to Sri Lanka in August 2015.
Signifying the continuing momentum of the bilateral engagement, four instruments relating to Customs Cooperation, the establishment of Rabindranath Tagore Auditorium at the Ruhunu University, Youth Development, and, Visa Exemptions for Diplomatic and Official passports holders, were signed.
On Saturday (14 March), the Indian Prime Minister visited the sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi and Ruwanweliseya in Anuradhapura during which he was accompanied by President Sirisena. He also visited Talaimannar where he launched the new signaling system and the railway track and flagged-off the train between Madhu Road and Talaimannar Pier Station.
In Jaffna, Prime Minister Modi, laid the foundation stone for the India funded Jaffna Cultural Centre. The Prime Minister was hosted for lunch by the Governor Palihakkara of the Northern Province.
In Ilavalai, Jaffna, the Indian Prime Minister handed over several houses to beneficiaries of the Indian-funded housing units to former IDPs under the 50,000 houses programme.
During the visit, several political personalities in Sri Lanka called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Colombo
14 March 2015
March 1, 2015
In addition to the official events of the 04th of February 2015, the High Commission of Sri Lanka in Australia High Commissioner Admiral Thisarra Samarasinghe and Mrs. Malathie Samarasinghe hosted a High Official and a Diplomatic Reception at its chancery premises on 24th February 2015 to celebrate Sri Lanka’s Independence Day. The event was attended around 400 guests, including the Federal Speaker of House, Cabinet Ministers, Parliamentarians, Diplomats, Senior Officials of Ministries of Defence, Foreign Affairs, Immigration and Border Protection, National Intelligence, academics and Australian-Sri Lankan community members.
Hon. Julie Bishop, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Australia addressing the gathering
The Hon. Julie Bishop, Minister of Foreign Affairs graced the occasion as the Chief Guest and the Hon. Bronwyn Bishop, Speaker of the Parliament, Hon. Peter Dutton, Minister for Immigration & Border Protection, Hon. Richard Marles, Shadow Minister for Immigration, Federal Members of Parliament, Hon. Don Randall, Hon. Andrew Southcott, Hon. Dr Sharman Stone, Hon. Michael Danby, Hon. Chris Hayes Vice Admiral Ray Griggs, AO, CSC, RAN, Vice Chief of the Defence Force also attended.
During the welcome speech, the High Commissioner addressed the gathering regarding the importance of reconciliation and emphasized the diversity of Sri Lanka and its importance. High Commissioner reiterated the vision of the President His Excellency Maithripala Sirisena, Sri Lanka for reconciliation and unity in governance placing greater emphasis on the youth of the country. He further stated that the optimum use of diversity is important to build a strong and unified Sri Lanka for the betterment of our future generation. Therefore, he said, it is the duty of the Sri Lankan community in Australia to support the initiatives taken by the government and welcomed the expatriate Sri Lankan community to be united for the wellbeing of their motherland.
He also elaborated the ongoing bilateral relations between Australia and Sri Lanka and expected that the fruitful relationship between the two countries will further be improved in the years ahead “Declaration for Peace by the Government of Sri Lanka” issued by H E the President on the 04th of February was also read by the High Commissioner which was well received by the audience.
In response to the High Commissioner’s speech, Hon. Julie Bishop, Minister of Foreign Affairs explained in detail of the excellent relationship that is enforced between the two countries today. She further said that the “Declaration for Peace by the Government of Sri Lanka” was impressive and highlighted the necessity of reconciliation for the future of Sri Lanka.
Ms.Nadeesha Samarasinghe presented solo Bharatanatyam dance of reconciliation with a devotional song to Goddess Saraswathy and the students of Mrs. Bhagya Palihawadana, Sri Lanka Dancing School, performed a Sri Lankan cultural dance. Miss. A.M.Oneesa Sasini Rathnayake sang both Sri Lankan and Australian National Anthems to the Royal Australian Navy Brass Band which was in attendance for the 3rd consecutive year. They performed from the balcony of the main foyer playing Sri Lankan melodies.
The evening ended with a reception hosted by the High Commissioner and Mrs Samarasinghe.
February 28, 2015
I relinquish my duties as the High Commissioner, Sri Lanka on 28th February 2015 after serving the Government of Sri Lanka for 3 years and 8 months in Australia and concurrently accredited to Fiji, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu.
Read More »
February 10, 2015
1. Acknowledging a recommendation made by the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission that the process of reconciliation in Sri Lanka requires a full acknowledgement of the tragedy of the conflict and a collective act of contrition, the Government of Sri Lanka, at the official national ceremony held yesterday, 4 February, to mark the 67th Independence Day, made a “Declaration of Peace”.
2. The Declaration included:
(a) paying respects to all the citizens of Sri Lanka, of all ethnicities and religions, who lost their lives due to the tragic conflict that afflicted the country for over three decades and to all the victims of violence since Independence; and
(b) a commitment to ensure that never again will the country be allowed to be traumatised by the shedding of blood of her citizens.
3. The Declaration was read out in Sinhala, Tamil and English in the presence of the President, Prime Minister, Members of Parliament and all invitees including the diplomatic corps.
4. Click on Sinhala, Tamil and English for the text of the Declaration.
February 10, 2015
The High Commission of Sri Lanka in Australia celebrated the 67th Independence Day Anniversary in a grand scale at the High Commission premises on the 04th of February 2015. The National Day events commenced with the hoisting of the Sri Lankan National Flag by the High Commissioner Admiral Thisarra Samarasinghe, followed by the singing of the National Anthem by a group of young children and lighting of the traditional oil lamp. Two minutes silence was observed in honour of our nationals who sacrificed their lives to preserve and protect the freedom, unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of our Motherland. Religious observances were conducted by the religious dignitaries representing the Buddhist, Hindu, Christian and Islamic religious offering blessings for our Nation and its people.
National Day Message of His Excellency Maithripala Srisena was read in Sinhala, Tamil and English to the audience. The High Commissioner addressed the gathering and highlighted the importance of unity of all communities for the development of Sri Lanka.
As Sri Lanka is forging ahead for a new era under the leadership of His Excellency Maithripala Srisena, High Commissioner reiterated the vision of the President for reconciliation and unity in governance placing greater emphasis on the youth of the country. He further stated that the optimum use of diversity is important to build a strong and unified Sri Lanka for the betterment of our future generation.
He also thanked the Sri Lankan community in Australia for their unwavering support which they extended to Sri Lanka and urged them to continue the same support to our Mother Lanka individually, as a group and as a community in its economic revival. He also emphasized the long standing solidarity and friendship of Sri Lanka and Australia and expressed that the people- to- people contacts between the two countries would further enhance the existing relationship.
The High Commission ceremony on the 4th concluded with the serving of traditional Sri Lankan breakfast.
In addition, on the 4th of February, the city of Canberra was decorated with 48 national flags on the main highway leading to the Federal Parliament in the city centre signifying Sri Lanka National Day and the close friendship between Australia and Sri Lanka. This event was sponsored by the Sri Lankan Australian community in Canberra.
The High Commissioner, the staff and the community proceeded to the Commonwealth Place on 4th February to hoist the Sri Lankan flag in the main mast of the Commonwealth Place. The High Commissioner hoisted the National Flag , followed by the national anthem sung by all those present. This flag is on the main area where all the country flags on either side in the picturesque sight of Graffin Lake transiting the Australian new and old Parliaments and the War Memorial.
In addition to the above, the High Commission was decorated with Sri Lankan national flags around the perimeter.
Further the Canberra Times carried a two page special supplement to mark the 67th Anniversary carrying the message of His Excellency the President, the Hon. Prime Minister, the Hon. Minister of Foreign Affairs and the High Commissioner.
Few photographs taken at the event is sent herewith.
Sri Lanka High Commission
Canberra
4th February 2015
February 4, 2015
The celebration of this 67th Anniversary of our Independence is of special significance as it sees the launch of a new era of Good Governance in the country. Read More »
February 4, 2015
Today, we are celebrating the 67th anniversary of Independence while a civilized political culture is being created in our beloved Motherland.
When the Father of the Nation, Rt. Hon. D.S. Senanayake, the first Prime Minister of Sri Lanka launched the Independence struggle, the main weapon he used was the unity and brotherhood among the communities that lived in harmony in our country. Once we gained independence, the challenge that we had to face was to safeguard that unity and march toward development of the country.
However, it was unfortunate that we could not achieve that goal successfully.
We have now, once again arrived at a period, during which we could realize that objective. Groups that represent divers communities, following different religions, political parties, civil organizations and various groups came together onto one platform, shedding their differences to achieve a common objective for the benefit of the nation.
Our aim is to emulate the dignified tradition of King Lichchavi, whereby people would meet peacefully, discuss issues peacefully and disperse peacefully, in order to ensure good governance and build a united and prosperous nation.
Let us resolve today, to achieve that noble objective, to give a real meaning to our independence.
Ranil Wickremesinghe
Prime Minister
February 4, 2015
On the 67th anniversary of independence – Sri Lanka, one of the oldest democracies in Asia has, in the face of many challenges, again proved its commitment to freedom and democracy through yet another peaceful transition of power.
Unlike in the Arab Spring where change was brought about by bullets, pellets and stones Sri Lanka’s ‘rainbow revolution’ was achieved by power of the ballot – paving the way for far-reaching constitutional reforms that will make Sri Lanka a modern 21st century democracy.
Sri Lanka’s civil war ended 6 years ago. The challenge now is to win the hearts and minds of all Sri Lankans and create a Sri Lankan identity based on the cultural diversity of its people. If Sri Lanka is to harness its true economic potential it must meet the aspirations of all its different communities to live in ethnic harmony, religious tolerance and in a free and democratic society.
We must take this opportunity to ensure a just society where the rule of law prevails and no one is above the law. Sri Lanka, despite its modest means and even smaller size, has always played an important role on the world stage. The time has now come to restore the respect and dignity Sri Lanka once commanded.
Sri Lanka must harness this goodwill for the betterment of her people. All Sri Lankans, both on the island and aboard, must bury their differences and create a new Sri Lanka which will meet the hopes and aspirations of our people.
On the occasion of our national day let us all collectively re-dedicate ourselves to building a new multi-cultural Sri Lanka where freedom, equality and justice prevail for all.
*******
February 4, 2015
On the occasion of the 67th anniversary of independence and the National day of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, I extend my heartiest greetings and best wishes to fellow citizens of Sri Lanka living in Australia and to the people and the Government of Australia.
Today, Sri Lanka celebrates its 67th Independence and National Day. We celebrate our Mother Lanka’s continuing commitment to democracy, pluralism, diversity of language, religion, ethnicity, race and culture. This year has been a significant one for Sri Lanka. The election to the sixth President of Sri Lanka was held on the 08th of January 2015. The resounding victory of His Excellency Maithripala Sirisena, is a manifestation of the trust and confidence, the people of Sri Lanka have placed on the leadership of His Excellency and his commitment to build a society where freedom, democracy, people’s sovereignty and law and order reign. Under the leadership of H E Maithripala Sirisena, a veteran in the political arena with over four decades experience, our country will further progress towards greater political stability and rapid economic growth.
The visit of His Holiness Pope Francis to Sri Lanka in January 2015 is considered as a historical event as the visit happened at a time when there was a political transformation in Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka’s democracy is one of the oldest, well tested and vibrant in South Asia. Voter turnout of 80% in the recent Presidential election bears testimony of people participation in Sri Lankan democracy. The diversity of Sri Lanka is the key to our unity. Sri Lanka’s Foreign Policy has been guided by non- alignment. Therefore, Sri Lanka enjoys close and friendly relations with all Member States of the United Nations.
Today Sri Lanka is stable and experiencing economic revival, in an environment of peace and tranquillity forging ahead in reconciliation, rehabilitation and reconstruction. The strategic geographical location of Sri Lanka, the political, economic and social stability, business friendly culture and the constitutional frame inspire and offer confidence to the investors.
Since the establishment of formal diplomatic relations between Sri Lanka and Australia in 1949, the relations between our two countries have blossomed into a multi-faceted relationship with close cooperation and substantial degree of interactions both at the government, private sector and increased people-to-people levels. Sri Lanka and Australia have maintained excellent relations based on abiding trust, goodwill and mutual understanding and we greatly values the steadfast SUPPORT extended by Australia to Sri Lanka in challenging times.
The Ministerial level visits and the exchange of Parliamentary delegations between our two countries have further strengthened our bilateral cooperation and engagement in the recent past.
Australia is an important trading partner for Sri Lanka both as a significant market for exports and supply of raw material and intermediate goods.
Sri Lanka and Australia has been participating at numerous multinational and multi-agency forums in each other countries in the recent past depicting ever improving international engagement which is considered a healthy sign. The contribution of the Sri Lankan origins in Australia for the development of their adopting country is appreciated.
On this happy occasion, I thank all Honorary Consuls in Australia and the accredited countries Fiji, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands and the Sri Lankan expatriates residing in those countries for their invaluable assistance which they extended for many years. I wholeheartedly invite all Sri Lankans living in Australia and the accredited countries to join hands and to contribute your invaluable knowledge and thoughts to make Sri Lanka a peaceful and prosperous nation. Your total dedication, devotion, determination and commitment to promote and develop Mother Lanka are of vital importance to promote our national economy. As Sri Lankans, we could work unitedly for the betterment of our country to develop a nation with dignity and strength for the future of our generation.
May the long–standing deep friendship between Sri Lanka and Australia, Fiji, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu and Solomon Islands continue to strengthen and consolidate for the mutual benefit of our two peoples.
Admiral Thisarra Samarasinghe
High Commissioner
January 12, 2015
President Maithripala Sirisena appointed 27 Cabinet Ministers, ten State Ministers and eight Deputy Ministers at a ceremony held at the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo this evening (12/01/2015).
They were sworn in before President Maithripala Sirisena.
Cabinet Ministers
1.Prime Minister Ranil Wickramasinghe – Minister of Economic Development & Policy Implementation
2.Ravi Karunanayake – Minister of Finance
3.Joseph Michael Perera – Minister of Home Affairs
4.John Amaratunga – Minister of Public Order, Disaster Management & Christian Affairs
5.Duminda Dissanayake – Minister of Irrigation
6.Dr. Rajitha Senaratna – Minister of Health and Indigenous Medicine
7.Kabir Hashim – Minister of Highways and Investment Promotion
8.Sajith Premadasa – Minister of Housing and Samurdhi
9.Naveen Dissanayake – Minister of Tourism
10.Wijedasa Rajapaksa – Minister of Justice
11.Arjuna Ranatunga – Minister of Ports and Shipping
12.Patali Champika Ranawaka – Minister of Power and Energy
13.Rishad Bathiudeen – Minister of Industry and Commerce
14.Gayantha Karunathilake – Minister of Mass Media
15.Palani Diganbaram – Minister of Plantation Infrastructure Development
16.Akila Viraj Kariyawasam – Minister of Education
17.D.M. Swaminadan – Minister of Resettlement, Reconstruction and Hindu Affairs
18.Rauff Hakeem – Minister of Urban Development, Water Supply and Drainage
19.Ms.Thalatha Athukorala – Minister of Foreign Employment
20.Ranjith Madduma Bandara – Minister of Internal Transport
21.P. Harrison – Minister of Social Services and Social Welfare
22.M.K.D.S. Gunawardena – Minister of Land
23.Ms.Chandrani Bandara – Minister of Women’s Affairs
24.Karu Jayasuriya – Minister of Buddha Sasana
25.Lakshman Kiriella – Minister of Plantation
26.Mangala Samaraweera – Minister of Foreign Affairs
27.Gamini Jayawickrama Perera – Minister of Food Security
Ministers of State
1.Nandimithra Ekanayake- Culture and the Arts
2.V. Radhakrishnan- Education
3.Faizer Mustapha- Aviation
4.Palitha Range Bandara- Power and Energy
5.Dilip Wedaarachchi- Fisheries
6.Ms.Bernadeen Rose Senanayake- Children’s Affairs
7.Rajiva Wijesinghe- Higher Education
8.Ruwan Wijewardene- Defence
9.K. Velayudhan- Plantation Industries
10.Niroshan Perera – Youth Affairs
Deputy Ministers
1.Champika Premadasa- Industry and Commerce
2.Harsha de Silva- Policy Development & Economic Affairs
3.Eran Wickramaratne- Highways and Investment Promotion
4.Sujeewa Senasinghe – Justice
5.Wasantha Senanayake- Tourism
6.Ms.Vijayakala Maheswaran- Women’s Affairs
7.Ajith P. Perera- Foreign Affairs
8.Anoma Gamage- Irrigation
