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29March2024

Credential Ceremony - P1

Ambassador Chandana Weerasena presents credentials to the King of Belgians in Brussels

Ambassador Chandana Weerasena presented his Letters of Credence to His Majesty King Philippe the King of Belgians, as the Sri Lanka Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Kingdom of Belgium at the Royal Palace of Laeken in Brussels, on 27 March 2024.

The presentation of credentials was followed by a private audience with His Majesty the King at his invitation.

The Ambassador conveyed greetings and best wishes from President Ranil Wickremesinghe to His Majesty the King Philippe at the private audience. The Ambassador also emphasised his desire to bring the Sri Lanka-Belgium bilateral relations to further high during his tenure and his commitment to work closely with the Kingdom of Belgium.

His Majesty the King reciprocated the warm greetings to H.E. the President and the People of Sri Lanka. During the audience, a number of topics were discussed which are bilaterally and geopolitically interested to both countries.

Ambassador Weerasena is the 17th Sri Lankan Ambassador appointed to the Kingdom of Belgium, during the diplomatic relations of the two countries, since 1968. He is a career diplomat who had joined the Sri Lanka Foreign Service in 2003.

Prior to this appointment, Ambassador Weerasena was Director General/Economic Affairs (Bilateral) of the Sri Lanka Foreign Ministry. He has also previously served as the Deputy Chief of Mission/Sri Lanka Embassy, Tokyo and has hold a number of other diplomatic ranks in Sri Lanka High Commission in Canberra, Sri Lanka Embassy in Tokyo and Sri Lanka High Commission in New Delhi. Ambassador Weerasena possesses two Masters Degrees from the Australian National University in Australia; ‘Master of Diplomacy’ & ‘Master of Asia Pacific Studies’. He graduated from the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka with a ‘Bachelor of Commerce’ degree and a past student of Ampitiya Berrewaerts College, Kandy.

Embassy of Sri Lanka

Brussels

28 March 2024

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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EU-Sri Lanka: 26th Joint Commission Meeting takes place in Brussels

Joint Press Release

The 26 European Union (EU) – Sri Lanka Joint Commission took place on 22 February in Brussels. The meeting served as an occasion to exchange views on all areas of EU-Sri Lanka bilateral relations, in a spirit of cooperation and mutual respect. 

The EU updated on its key policies and legislation over the past year including on its economic security strategy, artificial intelligence policy, business and human rights agenda, environment protection, Global Gateway strategy and EU Indo-Pacific strategy. Sri Lanka briefed the EU on the steady progress made in the past year towards economic stabilization and recovery. The EU noted that Sri Lanka is taking steps to ensure that economic growth is sustainable, inclusive and equitable and is accompanied by social protection measures for vulnerable groups. The EU congratulated Sri Lanka on the rapid economic recovery and growth prospects.

The EU and Sri Lanka discussed current global challenges, such as combating climate change, financing green energy and technology transition, achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and mitigating the sovereign debt crisis, the challenges of terrorism and transnational organised crime, cyber-security and disinformation. They highlighted the importance of international law in upholding international peace and security, with full respect of the UN Charter.

The EU welcomed Sri Lanka’s active participation in the third EU Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forum held in Brussels on 02 February 2024. The EU and Sri Lanka noted on-going good cooperation on maritime safety and security and explored areas of further cooperation during Sri Lanka’s current Chairmanship of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA). The EU appreciated the support to the EU Dialogue Partner status in IORA under Sri Lanka’s Chairmanship and welcomed Sri Lanka’s active participation in the Critical Maritime Routes in the Indian Ocean (CRIMARIO). The EU and Sri Lanka explored possible future security cooperation under Enhancing the European Union’s Security Cooperation in and with Asia (ESIWA) project.

The EU updated Sri Lanka on the elections taking place this year in the EU. Sri Lanka confirmed that the Presidential election will be held as mandated by the Constitution. The EU expressed their willingness to deploy an EU Election Observation Mission (EOM) if invited by Sri Lanka.

The Joint Commission took stock of the EU-Sri Lanka Working Group on Trade and Economic Cooperation held virtually on 6 February 2024. Sri Lanka provided an update on its plans to phase out the remaining restrictions on imports factoring into the current economic situation and the setting up of a National Single Window for Trade. The EU provided an update on the legislative process to revise its Generalised System of Preferences (GSP): once the new legislation is put in place, beneficiary countries of the special incentive scheme (GSP+), including Sri Lanka, are expected to apply for the continued applicability of trade preferences. Noting the significance of bilateral trade relations, Sri Lanka appreciated the confirmation of the continuation of the EU GSP+ scheme for exports to the European market. At the same time, the EU stressed that it would continue monitoring to ensure further compliance under GSP+. Both sides reaffirmed their intention to pursue their engagement through the EU-Sri Lanka Investors’ Dialogue, to be scheduled in the first quarter of 2024. 

The Joint Commission was also briefed about the outcomes of the Working Group on Development Cooperation, held on 21 February 2024 in Brussels. The EU informed Sri Lanka about the progress of the Mid-Term Review for 2021-2024 of the Multi-annual Indicative Programme (MIP) for Sri Lanka for 2021-2027. Both the EU and Sri Lanka welcomed the smooth implementation of the agreed programmes in support of Sri Lanka’s development priority areas such as green recovery, modernisation of agriculture, rural development and peaceful and inclusive society.

Sri Lanka briefed the EU on its voluntary undertaking of the IMF Governance Diagnostic Assessment. The EU commended Sri Lanka’s intention to use the governance diagnostic assessment for coordinating engagement and support from the government and the development partners. The EU was pleased to note Sri Lanka’s initiative to prepare an implementation plan for the diagnostic assessment and expressed interest to cooperate in this regard.

Sri Lanka apprised the EU on the recently adopted Anti-corruption Act strengthening the independent Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) and the appointment of Commissioners. The EU commended the adoption of the law and recalled the importance of providing the Anti-Corruption Commission with the required resources and independence, in line with the objectives of the new Act. 

The Joint Commission took note of the outcome of the Working Group on Governance, Rule of Law and Human Rights held on 20th February 2024 in Brussels. Sri Lanka updated on the steps taken to replace the Prevention of Terrorism Act with the Anti-Terrorism Bill and bring the draft law in line with international standards. The EU, while taking note of Sri Lanka’s efforts to address concerns, pointed out the need for further progress in that respect. The EU took note of the update given by Sri Lanka on the release of long-term detainees and urged Sri Lanka to refrain from using the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA).

The EU and Sri Lanka agreed on the importance of empowering civil society while providing necessary space for their functioning in all its diversity. Sri Lanka welcomed the EU’s continued commitment to support reconciliation and the justice sector reforms in the country. The EU and Sri Lanka emphasized the importance of the rights to freedom of opinion and expression, and to peaceful assembly and association enshrined in the Constitution of Sri Lanka and international conventions. The EU reiterated its call to de-criminalise same sex relations, and noted the Private Member’s Bill in this regard.

The EU and Sri Lanka discussed cooperation in international human rights fora including Sri Lanka’s follow up to the UPR Review under the 4th Cycle in February 2023 and 6th Periodic Review under the ICCPR in March 2023. Sri Lanka updated on its reconciliation efforts, i.e., domestic Truth and Reconciliation Commission, release of lands and resettlement of IDPs and the functioning of the domestic independent offices- OMP, OR, ONUR and OOSLA. The EU encouraged Sri Lanka to continue its engagement with the Human Rights Council and its mechanisms.

Regarding labour rights, the EU and Sri Lanka addressed the follow-up to the recommendations of the November 2023 GSP+ monitoring report. Sri Lanka also informed about preparations of a new employment legislation. The EU stressed the importance of the right to collective bargaining and commended Sri Lanka’s efforts towards the elimination of child labour. The two parties agreed about the importance of advancing on labour rights, and acknowledged the progress achieved through the EU funded ‘Better Work’ programme and the ‘Businesses and Human Rights’ programme. 

The EU welcomed Sri Lanka’s ambition towards a greener economy, while aiming to achieve net negative carbon emissions by 2050, including the commitment to not increase energy capacity by coal power. The EU briefed on the implementation of the European Green Deal and expressed the desire to work closely with Sri Lanka, bilaterally and in multilateral fora, on climate financing options and climate change actions as well as environmental protection. In the follow-up to the Conference of the Parties (COP28) of UNFCCC, the importance of signing up to the Global Renewables and Energy Efficiency Pledge was addressed. Sri Lanka highlighted the importance of donor countries living up to the financing and Loss and Damage agreements undertaken in multilateral climate fora. 

The EU briefed about the new regulation on deforestation-free products. The EU and Sri Lanka decided to engage in technical consultations in the near future. 

They agreed that terrorism continues to be a threat to security and the need for cooperation to combat terrorism. Sri Lanka acknowledged the continued proscription of the LTTE in the EU.

Sri Lanka updated the EU on the drafting of its new Fisheries Act and its efforts to prevent and eliminate IUU fishing. Cooperation in the framework of the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC) was also addressed.

The EU and Sri Lanka acknowledged the challenges of Artificial Intelligence and agreed to continue exchanges on this topic.

The EU and Sri Lanka exchanged ways to deepen cooperation in the field of higher education, research and technical cooperation under the ERASMUS+ and Horizon Europe Framework. Opportunities for Sri Lankan participation in the Jean Monnet Programme were discussed. 

Discussions also included migration and readmission. The next meeting of the Readmission Committee will take place in the second quarter of 2024.

The EU and Sri Lanka welcomed the evolution of bilateral cooperation from development based to a more solid partnership. EU and Sri Lanka agreed to explore possible investments in line with the EU Global Gateway strategy in the future, in partnerships on green energy transition, digital connectivity and sustainable development. 

It was agreed to hold the next session of the EU-Sri Lanka Joint Commission in Colombo in 2025. The Joint Commission was co-chaired by Paola Pampaloni, Deputy Managing Director for Asia and the Pacific in the European External Action Service, and Aruni Wijewardane, Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Sri Lanka.

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Foreign Minister concluded a successful visit to Brussels

Foreign Minister Ali Sabry, concluded a successful visit to Brussels, Belgium to attend 3rd EU Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forum and a number of other engagements with the European Parliament, the European commission, the Government of Belgium as well as Private enterprises connected to Sri Lanka, during the period 30 January to 02 February 2024.

The Forum was held at the European Union Headquarters in Brussels with the participation of over 80 high level delegation, recognizing and focusing on a number of growing geopolitical and security concerns, economic resilience and investments and green transition and climate change. The Forum was chaired by Josep Borrel, the High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and the Vice President (HR/VP) of the European Commission. 

The First and Second EU Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forums were held in Paris (February 2022) and Stockholm (May 2023) respectively where Sri Lanka participated at the Foreign Ministerial level. This year’s Forum consisted of Opening and Closing Plenary Sessions and three Parallel Roundtable Discussions with three themes namely ‘Shared prosperity, economic resilience and investment’; ‘Green transition -partnering for sustainable future’; ‘Geopolitical and security challenges’. Minister Sabry co-moderated the First Roundtable discussion on ‘Geopolitical and Security Challenges in the Indo-Pacific Region’ with EU HR/VP Josep Borrel. 25 member States representing Asia & Pacific, Africa, Europe and Middle-East regions, attended the 01st Round Table Discussion. 

Minister Sabry also played a role as the Rapporteur of the Roundtable and presented the outcome of the roundtable discussion at the Closing Plenary Session of the Forum. 

During the visit, Minister Sabry made a keynote speech titled ‘SriLanka-EU Relations: Potential for Stronger Ties and New Economic Opportunities – A Vision for Sri Lanka’ at the European Institute for Asian Studies (EIAS), a prestigious think tank based in Brussels, followed by a question and answer session. The event was attended by an audience of over 120 participants from various institutions including from European External Action Service (EEAS) of the EU, Directorate General of the International Partnership (DG INTPA) and Directorate General of Trade (DG TRADE) of the European Commission, Diplomatic Community, Think Tanks, Academia, media and individuals interested in Sri Lanka-EU relations. Minister Sabry elaborated Sri Lanka – EU relations and greater potential for robust cooperation as well as expanded opportunities based on shared values of democracy, independent judiciary, rule of law and human rights. The Minister also briefed the ongoing economic reform process with the IMF-EFF and debt restructuring with bilateral creditors as well as private creditors.

As part of the engagement of Foreign Minister Sabry with the European Parliament, a luncheon meeting was hosted in honour of Minister, by Member of the European Parliament (MEP) Nicola Nicola Procaccini, Chair of the South Asia Delegation (DSAS) of European Parliament, along with other MEPs including Vice President of the European Parliament  MEP (Ms.) Heidi Hautala, MEP ZdzisławKrasnodębski, MEP Aušra Seibutytė-Maldeikienė, MEP Karsten Lucke. Minister Sabry and the members of DSAS had an open and constructive dialogue on the ongoing reform process with the support of IMF, debt restructuring, continued GSP + concessions for Sri Lanka, ongoing negotiations of the new GSP regulation, progressive steps taken in the spheres of human rights and national reconciliation including the government’s efforts to replace the PTA with Anti-terrorism Act in line with international human rights standards, gazetted draft bill on Commission for Truth, Unity and Reconciliation as well as necessity to ensuring online safety etc. The members of the DSAS of the European parliament last visited Sri Lanka in October 2023 as part of their engagement with Sri Lanka and its parliament. 

Foreign Minister interacted with Belgium entrepreneurs connected to Sri Lanka, at ‘Brussels Enterprises Commerce and Industry’ (BECI), with a view to encourage more trade, investments and tourism. Minister Sabry, shared insights on Sri Lanka's economic rebound, reforms being undertaken and the efforts of Economic and Social transformation for a sustainable growth of the country at this interactive session, co-organised by Sri Lanka Embassy in Brussels, BECI and Sri Lanka Honorary Consul in Antwerp Ms. Moniq De Deker. Mr. Dirk Van Der Ploeg, Sri Lanka Honorary Consul in Luxembourg also participated at the event.  

The Foreign Minister also visited Belgium Parliament and had a productive discussion with Allessia Claes, Senator in the Belgium Federal Parliament and Samuel Cogolati, Member of the Belgian House of Representatives, Chair of the Belgian delegation of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and also the Vice Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Belgian Federal Parliament. Senators exchanged their views on Sri Lanka and assured to continue their good relations with Sri Lanka. Foreign Minister briefed about the present situation in the country, challenges, opportunities and the reforms that are being taken for the recovery, sustainable development and prosperity of the country. 

During the Foreign Minister’s meeting with Maroš Šefčovič, the Executive Vice-President for the European Green Deal of the European Commission, it was explored further cooperation for the green transition of Sri Lanka through investments in achieving commitments under the Paris Climate Agreement. The Minister briefed Sri Lanka’s vision for green transition through achieving 70 percent renewable energy generation by 2030 and becoming carbon neutral by 2050. In this context Minister Sabry emphasized the EU’s strong partnership with Sri Lanka via potential investments on renewable energy generation, i.e., green hydrogen, wind and solar power as there is an enormous potential in the tropical island nation referring to the feasibility study done by the World Bank. Minister Sabry further requested investment through the EU Global Gateway programme which has a 300 Bn Euro worth of EU investment around the world until 2027 together with the European Investment Bank (EIB). Minister at his pull-aside meeting, with Commissioner Junta Urpelini at the DG INTPA under whose purview the Global Gateway programme operates, requested to enhance further development cooperation to Sri Lanka. 

On the side-lines of the 3rd EU Indo Pacific Ministerial Forum, the Minister had his pull aside meetings with his counterparts of Luxemburg, Indonesia and Lao PDR.   

Foreign Minister’s delegation included Sri Lanka Ambassador-Designate to Belgium and the EU Chandana Weerasena, Director of Ministry of Foreign Affairs Madusanka Jayasinghe, Second Secretary Dulmini Dahanayake, Minister Commercial Thavishya Mullagamgoda from the Sri Lanka Embassy to Belgium, Luxembourg and the EU in Brussels, Belgium.  

Photos with description 

1. Seminar on “Sri Lanka-EU-Relations: Potential for Stronger Ties and New Economic Opportunities – A Vision for Sri Lanka” at organized by the European Institute for Asian Studies (EIAS) on 30th January 2024 in Brussels, Belgium 

 

Delivering the keynote speech at the Seminar on “Sri Lanka-EU-Relations: Potential for Stronger Ties and New Economic Opportunities – A Vision for Sri Lanka” organized by a leading think-tank based in Brussels, the European Institute for Asian Studies (EIAS) on 30th January 2024 in Brussels, Belgium. 

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During an interactive Q&A Session with the audience at the EIAS on 30th January 2024 in Brussels, Belgium. 

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With Ms. Paola Pampaloni, Deputy Managing Director for Asia and the Pacific of the European External Action Service (EEAS) and the CEO of the EIAS Mr. Axel Goethals during the interaction reception.

 

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Sri Lanka's 76th Independence Day commemorated in Brussels

The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Belgium celebrated the 76th Independence Day of Sri Lanka at the official residence in Brussels with over 100 participants, on 04 February 2024. Sri Lanka Honorary Consuls in Antwerp Region of Belgium and in Luxemburg too attended the event with the Sri Lankan community.

The commemoration comprised with all formalities including the hoisting of the national flag, singing of the national anthem in both Sinhala and Tamil languages, observation of silence for those sacrificed their lives for the betterment of the country, multi-religious observances and reading of Independence Day messages of the President, the Prime Minister, and the Foreign Minister of Sri Lanka.

Ambassador-designate Chandana Weerasena, in his address, briefed the government’s efforts towards realising a sustainable economic growth and emphasized the role of the overseas Sri Lankans to help Sri Lanka at this crucial period, especially to economically vulnerable community as well as younger generation.

While informing what the Embassy has been doing to contribute to fostering relations with the EU, Belgium and Luxemburg, the Sri Lankan community was invited to continue their good work and engagement jointly with the Embassy, for rebuilding Sri Lanka

The participants were served with traditional refreshments, and Ceylon tea.

Embassy of Sri Lanka

Brussels

04.02.2024

 

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Foreign Minister Sabry meets Belgium entrepreneurs connected to Sri Lanka

On the sidelines of the 03rd EU Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forum in Belgium, Foreign Minister Ali Sabry met with Belgium entrepreneurs connected to Sri Lanka at the ‘Brussels Enterprises Commerce and Industry’ (BECI) on 31 January 2024.

With a view to encourage more trade, investments and tourism, the Foreign Minister shared insights on Sri Lanka's economic rebound, reforms and the efforts of Economic and Social transformation for a sustainable growth of the country at this interactive session, co-organised by Sri Lanka Embassy in Brussels, ‘Brussels Enterprises Commerce and Industry’ (BECI) and Sri Lanka Honorary Consul in Antwerp Monique De Decker.

Sri Lanka’s Ambassador-designate to Belgium and European Union Chandana Weerasena, conveyed that the Sri Lanka Embassy in Brussels will focus on connecting with private sectors of both countries to reach the maximum potential of economic opportunities.

The event at BECI was attended by private sector entrepreneurs including Belgium importers, distributors, manufacturers, exporters, and investors etc., covering different sectors such as tea, jewellery, tobacco products, cigars, organic products, tourism, IT services, financial services, rubber products, diamonds, construction etc., and members from business chambers, business associations, trade & investment related organizations, business magazines and research institutes in Belgium.

Embassy of Sri Lanka
Brussels

02 February 2024

 

 

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Rue Jules Lejeune 27
1050 Brussels
Belgium.