Deepavali Celebrated in Sri Lanka High Commission Australia

October 28, 2014

The High Commission of Sri Lanka in Canberra, Australia celebrated the Deepavali, “The festival of Lights” at the High Commission on 25^th October 2014. A cross- section of the Sri Lankan Tamil community resident in Canberra, the representatives of the Sri Lankan Associations were present at the event.

The celebrations were held in maintaining the tradition of multiculturalism in Sri Lanka.

The Chief Priest of the Vishnu Shiva Mandir Shri Pradeep Bhat and the visiting Priest Shri Krishnamoorthy Bhat conducted the religious observances with an invocation prayer and offered blessings to His Excellency Mahinda Rajapaksa, the President of Sri Lanka, people of Sri Lanka and Australia and also prayed for harmony among all communities. High Commissioner Admiral Thisara Samarasinghe whilst welcoming the audience stressed the significance of religious tolerance and co-existence in Sri Lanka which should pave the way for reconciliation and better understanding. He further stressed the importance of teachings for our respective religions to the younger generations for guidance towards a peaceful society in the future.

Mrs. Paromita Dey sang a number of devotional songs along with an outstanding violin performance by Mrs. Prathiba Nagapushan accompanied on the Tabla by Mr.Sukumar Subramaniam and Miruthangam by Mr. Saravanan Kandasamy. The students of Dr. Shibani Mishra, ODISSI Dance Academy presented a splendid ODISSI dance and the students of Mrs. Bhagya Palihawadana, Sri Lanka Dancing School performed a beautiful Sri Lankan dance.

Mr. Thamo Sritharan, Vice- President of the Vishnu Shiva Mandir delivered a speech on the significance of Deepavali, quoting the essence of all religions and emphasising the guidance for the human beings to start new to live peacefully in this materialistic world.

Mr. Periyasamy Pillai Selvaraj, Minister of this Mission delivered the Vote of Thanks.

Following the religious and cultural functions, refreshments were served, which included an array of traditional Hindu Foods, for all participants.

Address by H.E. Mahinda Rajapaksa President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka at the 69th Session of the United Nations General Assembly New York, 24th September 2014

September 27, 2014

Mr. President,
Secretary General of the United Nations,
Your Majesties
Excellencies,
Ladies & Gentlemen,

I congratulate Your Excellency Sam Kutesa on being elected as the President of the 69th Session of the United Nations General Assembly. We wish you success and assure you of our fullest cooperation.

The theme for this Session, “Delivering on and Implementing a Transformative Post-2015 Development Agenda”, is timely. The world has undergone many changes since the UN was created, and since the year 2000, much progress has been made towards achieving the Millennium Development Goals.

However, there are multiple challenges that still remain to be addressed. The moral and practical importance of creating an equitable world and a sustainable planet for this purpose cannot be ignored.

Mr. President,

The Commonwealth, of which Sri Lanka is the current Chair in Office, accounts for over one quarter of the UN membership. In November 2013, the Commonwealth Heads of Government agreed in Colombo, to contribute to the process of evolving the new post-2015 global development agenda. They have endorsed the central focus on the eradication of extreme poverty and reaffirmed commitment to sustainable development.

The perspective on the post-2015 development agenda is based on shared values and principles contained in the Commonwealth Charter and individual experiences. The Commonwealth leaders encourage others to approach the forthcoming inter-governmental negotiations, in a collaborative spirit to achieve a balanced post-2015 development agenda.

Mr. President,

Reducing inequality within and among countries is one of the most transformative goals that have been proposed by the Working Group on Sustainable Development Goals. We hope that this goal will serve to enhance the voice and representation of developing countries in decision-making.

The post-2015 agenda must focus on implementation. Achieving the SDGs would be impossible without the political will and dedication of all countries. It must be ensured that the failure of the developed countries to fulfil Millennium Goal 8 that called for a global partnership for development is not repeated.

In determining goals, countries must not be deprived of policy space, to set their own domestic priorities. Instead of asking countries to reprioritise domestic spending, there should be focus on a strengthened partnership between developed and developing countries, backed by sincere commitment. This is essential for countries in the South to access financial resources and technology that are essential for capacity building.

It is vital that we also address structural obstacles and political barriers that prevented the realisation of the MDGs, such as unfair trade and investment rules. Creating a supportive international economic environment, enhanced investment flows, including from multilateral development banks, and an open multilateral trading regime, are important.

Mr President,

We all know the historical context in which the United Nations was created after two world wars. During the seven decades of its existence, the world has been saved from plunging into another global war. The UN has helped to improve standards of living, eradicate disease, educate children, and in peacekeeping. Year after year in September, the world community comes together to reaffirm the founding vision of this institution.

The role of the UN in advancing international peace, security and prosperity is crucial in the contemporary world.  However, in order to gain the confidence and goodwill of the international community as a whole, one of the essential requirements is consistency of standards across the board without any perception of selectivity or discrimination.  It is in this context that the current functioning of the system needs examination in order to enhance its credibility.

Human rights are used as a tool to implement motivated agendas with no understanding or appreciation of the complexity of issues in the countries concerned. Human rights should be recognised by all as a moral and ethical concept rather than as a political tool. External intervention without adequate consideration of the structures in a society and cultural traditions of the countries where such intervention takes place, inevitably results in destabilisation, which is very much in evidence today, in most parts of the world.

Mr. President,

Post-conflict Sri Lanka has also become an unfortunate victim of ill-conceived agendas of some in the Human Rights Council, who pay scant regard to the substantial progress achieved by Sri Lanka, in reconstruction, rehabilitation and reconciliation within a short span of 5 years. There is an obvious lack of balance and proportion in the manner in which my country is being targeted today, disregarding these significant achievements. This is in sharp contrast with the approach to deeply disturbing situations involving humanitarian emergencies elsewhere.

Mr. President,

For multilateralism to remain relevant and effective, reform of institutions concerned is essential. To be successful, this process must involve de-politicisation of the UN systems and mechanisms and they must stop being hostage to different forms of funding. UN bodies must find ways to work with governments through dialogue, greater understanding of situations and cooperation including assistance to strengthen national institutions. This approach, instead of strong arm tactics, must form the heart of multilateral diplomacy, in the search for sustainable solutions to global challenges.

Mr. President,

The 70th year of the UN in 2015 also marks the 10th anniversary of the 2005 World Summit where global leaders agreed to support early reform of the Security Council. Concrete results in this regard, should be achieved next year.

Mr. President,

Climate Change is one of the defining challenges of our times. A robust global response needs to be arrived at, in 2015, on the basis of equity and the principle of common, but differentiated responsibilities.

Mr. President,

The increase of violence in the Middle East is deeply distressing. I reiterate Sri Lanka’s support for the early realisation of a sovereign, independent, viable and united State of Palestine, existing within secure and recognised borders, side-by-side and at peace with Israel. We look forward to welcoming Palestine as a full member of the UN at the earliest.  The international community must assist Palestine to rebuild their country.

Sri Lanka firmly believes in the need for solidarity between Asia and Africa. Admiring the efforts of the people of Africa to achieve socio-economic development, Sri Lanka has begun a process of reaching out to countries in Africa, for exchange of knowledge and expertise in areas of importance.  The international community must strongly support the early eradication of deadly diseases in Africa.

Mr. President,

Sri Lanka remains committed to supporting all multilateral efforts to counter terrorism deriving from extreme ideologies impacting on people across national frontiers.

Terrorism continues to be a grave threat to security and stability of nations across the globe. Having suffered at the hands of terrorism, Sri Lanka knows well, its drastic impact on societies, communities and institutions founded on democratic traditions and ideals. The international community must strengthen multilateral action on terrorism including the early finalisation and adoption of the UN Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism. Sri Lanka is also committed to support all multilateral efforts to counter, terrorism financing, piracy, and all forms of international organised crime. We wish to recall our appeal to the international community not to support terrorist groups in any way, either direct or indirect.

Mr. President,

Sri Lanka expresses deep concern regarding unilateral economic measures against developing countries and is a consistent supporter of the call of the UN General Assembly for an end to the unjust economic, commercial and financial embargo against Cuba. Unilateral sanctions of this nature, which impact a country’s innocent population are unethical.

Mr. President,

Despite being affected by terrorism Sri Lanka has achieved most MDGs. Sri Lanka has succeeded in being ranked ahead of all South Asian countries in the 2013 Human Development Index.

Through the adoption of the National Development Strategy, the Mahinda Chinthana, ‘Vision for the Future’, the Government of Sri Lanka embarked on an inclusive and rural-centric development programme. This involved bold policy decisions connected with macro-economic management, revitalisation of agriculture, infrastructure development including road and expressways, ports and airport, irrigation and water distribution, a strong telecommunication network and well distributed urban and township development resulting in 7.8 percent GDP growth and per capita income of US$3,280 in 2013.It is also a matter of deep satisfaction to recognise that the economic and political empowerment of the people of the North supported by massive investment in infrastructure and livelihoods have also contributed to this growth.

Sri Lanka’s IT literacy grew steadily from a mere 3 percent in 2005 to almost 50 percent in 2014.  Sri Lanka’s Nenasala programme was awarded the prestigious Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Award as the best rural IT access programme in the world.

With the end of terrorism in May 2009, in keeping with my responsibilities to my people, large-scale post-conflict reconstruction, rehabilitation and resettlement initiatives were implemented in the North in a relatively short period of 4 years. Most importantly, democratic structures in the North have been re-established. Elections were held to the Northern Provincial Council in September 2013, after a lapse of 28 years upholding the democratic tradition in Sri Lanka which has been consistently protected since 1931, the year we attained universal franchise.

I recall in this context, the visit of the UN Secretary-General, to Sri Lanka, just a week after the conclusion of the conflict when a new era of peace had dawned. This was a manifestation of the close cooperation between my country and the UN and our commitment to work together in the future.

It is significant that this year we hosted the World Conference on Youth in Sri Lanka and since peace was restored in 2009, we have had a large number of international conferences and gatherings, thus making our country a venue for international events, all due to the peace that was ushered in.

Mr. President,

We continue on a deeply satisfying and a transformative journey in the interest of all the people of Sri Lanka. In carrying out this task, we work in accordance with our traditional foreign policy of friendship towards all and enmity towards none. We hope that the international community will reciprocate and assist Sri Lanka in her domestic process of reconciliation and economic development without exerting undue pressure on us.

We have gained inspiration from the words of Gautama the Buddha who said that the purpose of all human endeavour must be to construct order out of chaos and harmony out of strife. True to these words of wisdom, the Government of Sri Lanka remains committed to its objective of pursuing the processes of reconciliation, and nation building, undeterred by ill-motivated criticism.

Thank you.

May the Triple Gem Bless you all.

SKY News Interview with Sri Lanka High Commissioner Admiral Thisara Samarasinghe

July 4, 2014

AGENDA Sri Lanka denies abuse claims

Link to the above – http://www.skynews.com.au/video/program_agenda/2014/07/03/agenda-sri-lanka-denies-abuse-claims-.html

Tony Abbott praises Sri Lanka’s human rights progress amid speculation Tamil asylum seekers were handed over to country’s navy

July 4, 2014

Sarah Whyte

Immigration correspondent

“We are breaching our central obligation under the refugee convention” says lawyer Julian Burnside, after two boatloads of asylum seekers were allegedly screened and handed over to the Sri Lankan navy by Australia.

PT1M44S http://www.smh.com.au/action/externalEmbeddedPlayer?id=d-3ba34 620 349 July 4, 2014 – 7:31AM

Prime Minister Tony Abbott has described Sri Lanka as a ”society at peace”, amid mounting speculation that two boats carrying Tamil asylum seekers have been handed over to the Sri Lankan navy in the middle of the ocean.

Speaking to 3AW on Thursday morning, Mr Abbott said it was no secret that Australia was turning back boats on the high seas.

Prime Minister Tony Abbott has praised Sri Lanka’s progress on human rights amid mounting speculation Tamil asylum seekers will be handed over to the country. Photo: Ken Irwin

”We said before the election that one of the policy options that we reserve the right to use, were it safe to do so, is turning boats around,” he said.

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On Wednesday, Fairfax Media revealed that 50 Sri Lankan asylum on board one boat were asked four basic questions by immigration officials via a teleconference, as part of a screening process. It is understood the asylum seekers are likely to be handed over to the Sri Lankan navy.

The questions asked included the passengers’ name, country of origin, where they had come from and why they had left.

Another asylum seeker boat, which held 153 passengers who were also Sri Lankan Tamils, has since been transferred to a navy boat, after civilians lost contact with the boat on Saturday morning.

When asked whether the government was sending asylum seekers back to the country they fled from, Mr Abbott replied: ”There does need to be a process because we do have international obligations so there does need to be a process.

”But I want to make this observation, Sri Lanka is not everyone’s idea of the ideal society but it is at peace . . . a horrific civil war has ended. I believe that there has been a lot of progress when it comes to human rights and the rule of law in Sri Lanka.”

Immigration Minister Scott Morrison has refused to comment on the two boats – one carrying 153 asylum seekers and the other carrying 50 asylum seekers – maintaining that the government does not comment on ”speculation or reporting” regarding on water operations.

Labor’s immigration spokesman Richard Marles, who has so far kept a low profile on the issue, said it would be a disgrace if asylum seekers were handed over to Sri Lanka, and demanded the government come clean with the Australian people.

”They have a right to know and this minister is treating everyone with contempt in denying us the right to know,” he told Sky News on Thursday.

Asked later on Thursday if Australians had a right to know what was happening with asylum seekers on the two boats, Mr Abbott said: ”The public deserve safe and secure borders.”

”They deserve a country that has not become open for the wrong kind of business, the people smuggling business,” he told reporters in Melbourne.

“Everything we do is consistent with safety at sea and everything we do is consistent with our international obligations.

“It is a peaceful country. It is a peaceful country. I don’t say it’s a perfect country, not even Australia is that. But it is a peaceful country and all of us should be grateful that the horrific civil war is well and truly over and that is to the benefit of every single Sri Lankan, Tamil, Sinhalese. Everyone in Sri Lanka is infinitely better off as a result of the cessation of the war.”

Despite Mr Abbott maintaining that Sri Lanka is now a society of peace, advice from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade says Australians should exercise a ”high degree of caution” due to the ”unpredictable security environment” in the country.

”You should avoid all demonstrations and large public gatherings as they may turn violent or be a target for politically-motivated attacks. Police have used tear gas in response to protests,” the advice on the department’s website says.

”In the Northern Province of Sri Lanka, which includes Mannar, Vavuniya, Mullaitivu, Kilinochichi and Jaffna Districts, post-conflict security force activity is ongoing.”

Greens leader Christine Milne said if the transfers with the Sri Lankan navy go ahead, it would the first example of the Abbott government sending people directly back to where they have been persecuted.

”The Prime Minister must explain to Australians how he can claim that what he is doing is not a human rights abuse,” she said. ”How can he claim what he is doing is not a contravention of the convention when he is engaged in total secrecy?

”It is absolutely wrong for Australia to return people seeking asylum to the countries in which they were being persecuted. It is wrong. It is shameful.”

According to a member of the co-ordinating committee of the Gummudipoondi camp for Tamil refugees, who were on board the boat carrying 153 asylum seekers, in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, members of the Tamil Nadu police force’s “Q” branch, which monitors the activities over refugee camps, had swept his camp and several others seeking information.

“They have been here asking, investigating, looking for the information,” said the coordinating committee member who gave his name as William.

William said there were 17 people missing from his camp who are assumed to be aboard the vessel and that he had been in contact with the families over the past few days.

“They are extremely worried, crying, desperate for information about what has happened, pleading for some country to accept them so they do not be made to return to Sri Lanka,” he said.

“They believe that if the refugees are made to return to Sri Lanka they will face severe harassment, possibly even torture, from the local authorities in Sri Lanka. Of course there is a lot of concern.”

with Jason Koutsoukis

Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/tony-abbott-praises-sri-lankas-human-rights-progress-amid-speculation-tamil-asylum-seekers-were-handed-over-to-countrys-navy-20140703-3b9qf.html#ixzz36S70WIw9

President Rajapaksa highlights importance of sovereignty and territorial integrity of nations to build peace and security

May 29, 2014

Chinese President Xi Jinping receiving President Mahinda Rajapaksa for official talks on 22nd May 2014 at Xijiao State Guest House in Shanghai.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa, participating at the 4^th Summit of Heads of State & Government of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA) at the invitation of President Xi Jinping of China, stated that “for building peace and stability in a region, it is imperative that the sovereignty and territorial integrity of our nations are secure.” This fundamental right of States is being violated. “With self-interests at the core, some external entities, using the guise of democracy, have sought to interfere in the domestic affairs of countries, resulting in de-stabilizing these nations and thereby even those regions.”

 CICA is a multinational forum for enhancing cooperation towards promoting peace, security and stability in Asia and is based on the recognition that there is a close link between peace, security and stability in Asia and in the rest of the world. Presently, CICA has 24 Member States. 09 countries and 04 multinational organizations have Observer status. Sri Lanka became an Observer State of CICA in 2013.

 The 4^th CICA Summit was held in Shanghai, China from 20 – 21 May 2014 and China took over the Chairmanship from Turkey for the period 2014 to 2016.

 President Rajapaksa, speaking further said that it is “indeed appropriate that Asia takes the lead in the settlement of any Asian affair, and CICA as a multilateral mechanism on security in Asia, should seek to engage appropriately on the proposals made by His Excellency the President of China towards this end.”

On the sidelines of the CICA Summit, President Rajapaksa held bilateral talks with his Chinese counterpart President Xi Jinping. Having discussed an array of bilateral issues, both sides agreed to maintain high level exchanges, fast-track the launch of the Sri Lanka – China FTA negotiations, expand development assistance and investment, cooperate in the implementation of the Maritime Silk Route, associate with the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank project and expand people to people exchanges between the two countries. President Xi Jinping appreciated and accepted the invitation extended by President Rajapaksa to visit Sri Lanka in the near future.

President Rajapaksa also held bilateral talks with President Mamnoon Hussain of Pakistan, President Hassan Rouhani of Iran and the UN Secretary General, Ban ki-Moon.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa was accompanied by the Minister of External Affairs, Prof. G.L. Peiris; Chief of Staff to the President, Gamini Senarath; Secretary to the Ministry of External Affairs, Kshenuka Senewiratne, Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to China Ranjith Uyangoda, the Consul General of Sri Lanka in Shanghai and senior officials of the Presidential Secretariat, Ministry of External Affairs of Sri Lanka and the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Beijing.

Embassy of Sri Lanka

Beijing

24 May 2014

Prime Minister of Solomon Island greatly values gesture of assistance and solidarity by the President of Sri Lanka

May 27, 2014

His Excellency Mahinda Rajapaksa, President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka has sanctioned a cash contribution of US $ 50,000.00 from the Government and people of Sri Lanka to the Government and people of the Solomon Islands as a gesture of solidarity and assistance.  This was in support of the rehabilitation, resettlement and reconstruction programmes underway in Solomon Island after the last month’s devastating cyclone and flood water damages.

Therefore, on the directive of the Minister of External Affairs Hon. Prof G.L. Peiris, the High Commissioner of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka in Canberra, Australia Admiral Thisara Samarasinghe, who is also accredited to Solomon Islands visited to Solomon Islands on 22nd May 2014 and called on His Excellency Gordon Darcy Lilo, Prime Minister of Solomon Islands and handed over a letter from His Excellency Mahinda Rajapaksa, President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of         Sri Lanka and also handed over a bank draft of USD 50,000.00 to Hon. Connelly Sandakabatu, Minister for Development Planning and Aid Coordination.

The meeting with His Excellency Gordon Darcy Lilo, Prime Minister of Solomon Islands and Hon. Connelly Sandakabatu.  Minister for Development Planning and Aid Coordination was also attended by Mr. Robert Iroga, Chief of Staff of the Prime Minister and Mr. Ranjith Hewagama, Hony Consul designate in Solomon Islands.  

His Excellency the Prime Minister of Solomon Islands conveyed his profound gratitude for the donation and appreciated the gesture of His Excellency Mahinda Rajapaksa to support the people of Solomon Islands in this hour of need.  H E the Prime Minister assured the High Commissioner that the invaluable funds donated by the Government of Sri Lanka would be gainfully utilized in providing immediate challenges of shelter, food and sanitation.  Prime Minister also recalled his memorable time in Sri Lanka during the CHOGM 2013 and once again congratulated the President and the Government of Sri Lanka for the rare achievement. .

H E the Prime Minister conveyed his best wishes to His Excellency the President and the people of Sri Lanka and emphasized the valuable and strong friendship that exist between the two countries and encouraged to further enhance the existing good relations. 

High Commissioner also called on the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon, Clay F Soalaoi   and the Secretary/Foreign Affairs Mr Beraki Jino who also very appreciative of the kind gesture of the cash donation. 

High Commission of Sri Lanka

Canberra

Vesak Celebration in Canberra

May 22, 2014

Vesak Themagul, at the Sri Lanka High Commission in Canberra was celebrated from 14^th to 18^th May 2014 in a colourful manner dressing the High Commission building with large number of Buddhist flags, lights, lanterns.  Decorations were on display till the 5^th Ranaviru memorial Pinkama which fell on 18^th of May.

The (Petaw Kooduwa) a lantern inclusive of 20 sub lanterns rooting out of mother lantern, with changing colour reflections was the one main item of decorations.  It was hung over as to be sighted from far away.  Seven blossoming red lotus, with a creation of Prince Siddhartha revealing his first words at birth on the last lotus was the other main attraction.   Another single lantern represented blossoming flower.  Surrounding fence and the building around were covered with Buddhist flags and illuminated with bulb lines.

The Australian and Sri Lankan viewers were treated with a Dansala of tea, coffee and snack for two days.  Many viewers notably Australians, inquired about the reason for the function and were keen to know the meaning of this different lighting.  They admired thankfully about the beauty of Vesak decoration at the Mission.

All decorations were the creations of the High Commission staff.

The High Commission staff also participated in Vesak devotional songs (Bakhthi Gee) at the Canberra Buddhist temple which was highly appreciated by the large gathering for Vesak celebration.

High Commission of Sri Lanka

Canberra

20^th May 2014

The speech delivered by H.E. the President at the Victory Day celebrations held in Matara on 18th May 2014.

May 21, 2014

The link to the speech:

http://www.president.gov.lk/speech_New.php?Id=146

Visit to Australia by Mr. Gotabaya Rajapaksa, Secretary, Ministry of Defence and Urban Development to Co-Chair at the Second Joint Working Group on Human Smuggling and other Trans-national Crime 21st to 23rd April 21014, Canberra, Australia

April 30, 2014

On  

On the invitation of the Government of Australia, Mr. Gotabaya Rajapaksa led a senior delegation for the above Second Joint Working Group (JWG) which was successfully concluded under the Co-Chairmanship of Mr. Martin Bowles, Secretary, Department of Immigration and Border Protection.

Highlight of the proceedings was the historical signing of the transfer of deeds of the outright gifting of two Bay Class Patrol Vessels by Australia to Sri Lanka .  The deeds were signed by Hon. Scott Morrison, Minister of Immigration and Border Protection and Mr. Gotabaya Rajapaksa, Secretary/Defence in the presence of the two High Commissioners of the respective countries.

Addressing the JWG gathering, Hon. Scott Morrison, thanked the Government of Sri Lanka for the genuine effort of the Ministry of Defence and the relevant agencies, specially the Sri Lanka Navy for helping the Government of Australia in combating human smuggling.   Hon. Minister emphasised the fact that Sri Lanka-Australia relationship should now focus on other fields of development and progress.  Hon. Minister also acknowledged the post conflict achievements of Sri Lanka as solid.

Responding to the Minister, Secretary/Defence Mr. Gotabaya Rajapaksa thanked the government of Australia for the invaluable gift of two naval vessels which would invariably improve Sri Lanka’s capability in  border protection.  He also emphasized the sharing of important evidence for the mutual benefit and the value of capacity building in all spheres of the relevant agencies.

Secretary/Defence also endorsed  the model and the mechanism that was followed by this JWG where exchange of views and engagement of several relevant agencies being very productive and educative.  He congratulated both parties of the JWG  for gaining lot of ground within a short period of time and for agreeing to be a part of other similar regional mechanisms where both countries could engage effectively.

Secretary/Defence Mr. Gotabaya Rajapaksa also thanked the Government of Australia for the bold decision of not co-sponsoring this year’s human rights resolution on Sri Lanka.

Secretary/Defence during the visit met following Senior Officials and discussed and shared important information of mutual interests and agreed to work towards further cooperation :-

a)    Mr. Dennis Richardson, Secretary/Defence
b)    Air Marshal Mark Binskin, Chief of Defence Force designate
c)    Mr. Chris Birrer, Asst. Secretary, Major Powers, Department of Defence
d)    Mr. Chris Moraitis, Acting Secretary, Department of Foreign Affairs
e)    Mr. Michael Pezzullo, Chief Executive Officer, Australian Customs and Border Protection
f)    Mr. Nick Warner, Director General, Australian Secret Intelligence Service
Secretary/Defence also had a brief unscheduled meeting with the Minister of Defence Hon. David Johnston and exchanged courtesies. Defence Minister conveyed the appreciation of the Australian government for the outstanding performance of the Sri Lanka Navy and reiterated the commitment to continue the engagement as two friendly countries.

It was evident from all interactions that the Australian government, at the highest level was appreciative of Sri Lanka’s success of defeating 30 year brutal terrorist conflict and the subsequent post conflict achievements.

It was also revealed that government of Australia considers accountability and human rights concerns should be addressed within an internal mechanism and not by any international investigation as suggested by other countries.  Australian side indicated that they would render all possible assistance to Sri Lanka in this regard.

The visit of the Secretary/Defence to Australia at an important juncture has positively raised the level  of cooperation between the two countries and understanding the challenges that Sri Lanka faces due to unsubstantiated and unfounded allegations with bias attitudes.

The Secretary/Defence also visited the newly constructed Sri Lanka  High Commission building and met High Commission officials and the staff.  Having made a tour of the Chancery and the facilities, the Defence Secretary conveyed his appreciation of the work carried out by the staff of the Mission.  To mark this significant visit to Australia and the Sri Lanka High Commission, Secretary/Defence planted a tree in the Chancery premises.

The Sri Lankan delegation included H.E. Admiral Thisara Samarasinghe, the High Commissioner, Officials of the High Commission and Senior Officials of Ministries of Defence and Urban Development, External Affairs and Justice and Sri Lanka Navy, National Intelligence Service, Sri Lanka Coast Guard, Sri Lanka Police, Departments of Attorney General, Immigration and Emigration.

The Australian delegation comprised of H.E Robyn Mudie, the High Commissioner for Australia in Sri Lanka, Commander of the Joint Task Force Operations “Sovereign Borders” Lt. Gen. Angus Campbell and Senior Officials from the National Security and Criminal Justice Group, Border Protections Command, People Smuggling Task Force.

High Commission of Sri Lanka
Canberra

Greetings for Sinhala and Tamil New Year 2014

April 13, 2014

On behalf of His Excellency Mahinda Rajapaksa, the President of Sri Lanka, His Excellency the President’s family, the Government and the Staff of the High Commission of Sri Lanka and on my own behalf, I am very pleased to extend my best wishes to all Sri Lankan community and their families residing in Australia, Fiji, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu and Soloman Islands a Very Happy and a Prosperous Sinhala & Tamil New Year.

The traditional New Year is a truly great national festival which is mainly celebrated by the Sinhalese and Tamils and also by others making it a Sri Lankan New year.. We, Sri Lankans, begin celebrating our New Year or Aluth Avuruthu or Puththandu in the month of April. This celebration brings the new hopes and anticipation of new beginnings to march towards a new life. Therefore, it is our responsibility to set aside differences and march forward in unity irrespective of caste, creed, ethnicity, religion, language, ideologies and any other prejudices and work hand in hand to promote our Mother Lanka. The two communities in Sri Lanka observe similar customs and traditions which forge the family bonds to strengthen our society. Therefore, it is essential to follow the New Year customs and traditions such heritage and values  to be preserved and passed on to the benefit of our future generation.

Under the visionary leadership of His Excellency Mahinda Rajapaksa, Sri Lanka continued to enjoy lasting peace. Sri Lanka’s economy has improved and growing stronger. Production is progressing rapidly in agriculture. The unprecedented development drive in the fields of trade, investment, tourism and infrastructure are continuing. Therefore, I appeal in earnest, to all Sri Lankans to join hands  in protecting  your country of origin from external challenge and to contribute your invaluable knowledge and thoughts to make Sri Lanka a peaceful and prosperous nation. Your total dedication, commitment, loyalty and untiring efforts to promote and develop our motherland are essential and thereby you could extend your contribution to our national economy

I also wish greater friendship between Sri Lanka and Australia, Fiji, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, and Vanuatu and Solomon Islands on this special and happy occasion.

I thank all individuals and Sri Lankan Associations for their initiative and the commitment in organizing New Year Celebrations in respective countries, and States/Territories  in Australia..

May the New Year bring good health, happiness, peace and prosperity to you all strengthening the unity amongst all Sri Lankans ensuring the safety, security and prosperity of our Mother Lanka.

Admiral Thisara Samarasinghe

High Commissioner