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Allow SL to take its course in reconciliation
– Russian Ambassador
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The Sri Lanka government has appointed a committee to learn from the past mistakes
and to take steps to reconcile and the government should be allowed to take its
course in the reconciliation process, Russian Ambassador for Sri Lanka Vladimir
P. Mikhaylov said. The Sri Lankan government and armed forces have always
acted in a manner to protect civilians and I have seen the affects
Sri Lanka faced due to the terrorism in the past few years, he added.
Read more...
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Minister of External Affairs Briefs Diplomatic Community on ‘Darusman Report’
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The Minister of External Affairs Prof. G.L. Peiris addressed the Colombo-based diplomatic
corps at the Ministry of External Affairs in Colombo today to convey the response of the Government of Sri Lanka on the substantive aspects of the Darusman Report. The Minister stated that the Government of Sri Lanka was no longer
constrained to comment substantively as the Report is now in the public domain.
Read more...
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The Government of Sri Lanka reiterates its position that the “Darusman Report” is fundamentally flawed in many respects
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The Government of Sri Lanka refers to the release by the UN Secretary-General of the
“Darusman Report” on accountability in Sri Lanka. The Government of Sri Lanka reiterates its position that the “Darusman Report” is fundamentally flawed in many respects and that among other deficiencies,
the Report is based on biased material, which is presented without any verification.
Read more...
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“LTTE involved in the trafficking of drugs and human beings” - Europol TE-SAT Report 2011
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The European Police Office (Europol) has said “Terrorist groups are becoming more diverse and
flexible in their methods of operating, with signs of increased collaboration between groups,
increased use of the Internet, and a growing connection between organized crime and terrorism,
especially in regard to financing activities. Separatist terrorist groups such as the PKK/KONGRA-GEL and LTTE are involved
in the trafficking of drugs and human beings to raise funds for their terrorism activities”.
Read more...
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Wrong to publish Moon panel report
Advisory panel not a UN body – Minister of External Affairs
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It is fundamentally wrong for the UN to publish the report or take action based on the recommendations by the UN panel of advisors, Minister of External Affairs Prof. G. L. Peiris said.
Speaking to media today (21) at the Ministry of External Affairs, Prof. Peiris said the report was not complied by the UN or a mandated UN body.
Read more...
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Renewal in spirit and expectations- President
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President Mahinha Rajapaksa in a message on the occassion of the Sinhala and
Hindu New Year has said, “this New Year will help bring a renewal in spirit and
new expectations to the people about future progress.” The President has noted
that “we celebrate this New Year at a time when production is progressing
rapidly in agriculture and all other areas of development” and that ”it is also
a time when all enjoy the freedom achieved in our motherland”.
Read more...
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Sri Lanka says the UNSG’s Panel of Experts report fundamentally flawed
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The Government of Sri Lanka has received a copy of the report of the Secretary General’s Panel of Experts on accountability in Sri Lanka.
The Government finds this report fundamentally flawed in many respects. Among other deficiencies, the report is based on patently biased material which is presented without any verification.
The Government will, in due course, comment in detail on the contents of the report
Ministry of External Affairs
13 April 2011
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IMF happy with Lanka economy
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The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has said it was pleased with the progress
in Sri Lanka’s economy.
Koshy Mathai, the IMF’s resident representative has told reporters in Colombo
the IMF was “pretty happy with the way (Sri Lanka’s) economy is progressing and
how it is run”.
The announcement came as the IMF released the seventh tranche of a USD 2.6
billion stand-by-facility approved in July, 2009......Mathai said the IMF has
full confidence in the Sri Lanka's economy having done six reviews of the
facility, and that no major policy changes are required to manage the economy.
Read more...
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World should divert defence expenditure to development - President
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The colossal sums of monies that nations spend on conflicts and wars must be diverted
towards development, research and technology to reduce poverty and suffering.
Sri Lanka’s humanitarian initiatives have enabled the government, not just to end
conflicts but to divert resources earlier spent on conflicts,
now towards welfare and development, said President Mahinda Rajapaksa.
Read more...
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Minister of External Affairs Prof. G. L. Peiris meets Dr. Liam Fox, Britain’s Secretary of State for Defence
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External Affairs Minister Prof. G. L. Peiris had wide ranging
discussions on current issues in Sri Lanka including political developments,
the economy and rehabilitation with Dr. Liam Fox, Britain’s Secretary of State for Defence, in London.
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Prof. Peiris Discusses Trade Opportunities with Lord Green, British Minister of State for Trade and Investment
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Minister of External Affairs Prof. G.L. Peiris met with Lord Green, Minister of State for Trade and Investment
of the UK at the Ministry of Trade and Investment in London on 4th April 2011.
Minister Peiris outlined the recent expansion of opportunities in Sri Lanka for
broadening business and trade links between the two countries following the end
of the conflict. He explained that Sri Lanka was engaged in a major programme of
infrastructure development while other sectors such as tourism and services have
also expanded considerably in recent months. Furthermore, arrangements such
as the India-Sri Lanka and the India-Pakistan Free Trade
Agreements offered major incentives for foreign companies
including from the UK using Sri Lanka as an investment
base for export into the vast South Asian markets. Against the background of
strong bilateral links and the mutual familiarity of each others administrative, financial and legal structures,
it was an opportune moment for strengthening interactions in the trade and business sectors.
Read more...
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Growth in Garment Export Earnings
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Continuing the increasing trend observed since the withdrawal of the GSP+ scheme
in August 2010, earnings from textile and garments exports increased by 121.9 per
cent to US dollars 385 million in January 2011, depicting a 143.5 per cent increase
to EU and 95.8 per cent increase to USA, Central Bank stated in its ’External Sector Performance – January 2011‘ report.
Read more...
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Sri Lanka Runners-up in the Cricket World Cup – 2011
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Sri Lanka was the Runners-up in ICC World Cup 2011.India beat Sri Lanka by 6 wickets
at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. The ICC Cricket World Cup is the premier international championship of ODI
cricket and is the world’s fourth-largest and fourth-most-viewed sporting event.
According to the ICC, it is the most important tournament and the pinnacle of achievement
in the sport. The first Cricket World Cup contest was organised in England in 1975.
In 1996 Sri Lanka won their maiden championship by defeating Australia by seven
wickets in the final, which was held in Lahore. Australia defeated Sri Lanka in the final in 2007.
The 2011 Cricket World Cup started on February 19th 2011 was co-hosted by Bangladesh, India, and Sri Lanka.
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EU Heads of Missions in Colombo meet the Acting Minister of External Affairs Neomal Perera
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The Heads of Missions of the European Union Member States Mr. Willy Vandenberghe,
Chargé d’affaires of EU accompanied by H.E. Mrs. Leoni Cuelenaere, Ambassador
of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, H.E. Mrs. Christine Robichon, Ambassador
of France, Mr. Mark Gooding, British Deputy High Commissioner, Dr. Gianluca
Rubagotti, Deputy Head of Mission of Embassy of Italy met the ActingMinister
of External Affairs Neomal Perera on 31st March 2011 at the Ministry. Discussions centered
on strengthening of the bilateral and multilateral cooperation between EU and Sri Lanka.
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Foreign Minister of Czech Republic compliments Sri Lanka on rapid progress- bilateral Talks with Prof. G.L. Peiris in Prague
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The Minister of External Affairs, Prof. G.L. Peiris met with his Czech counterpart
Karel Schwarzenberg, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the
Czech Republic at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Prague on 28th March.
Minister Peiris is undertaking an official visit to the Czech Republic
at the invitation of Minister Karel Schwarzenberg.
This is the first high-level official visit from Sri Lanka to the Czech Republic in recent years.
Read more...
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Minister of External Affairs Prof. G.L. Peiris and Minister of Finance of the Czech Republic Miroslav Kalousek sign Investment Protection and Promotion Agreement at Ministry of Finance in Prague
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Minister of External Affairs Prof. G.L. Peiris met with the Minister of Finance
of the Czech Republic, Miroslav Kalousek, at the Ministry of Finance in Prague
on 28 March 2011. The two Ministers concluded their discussions with the signing
of the Agreement for the Promotion and Reciprocal Protection of Investment between
Sri Lanka and the Czech Republic. The agreement provides for full protection of
foreign investment, guarantees against expropriation, granting of Most Favoured Nation (MFN) and National
Treatment to investors and their investments and also provides dispute settlement mechanisms.
Read more...
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The new Secretary to the Ministry of External Affairs assumes duties
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The new Secretary to the Ministry of External Affairs, Mr. Karunatilaka Amunugama assumed office today (28th March 2011) at the Ministry at a simple ceremony. He was welcomed on his arrival by senior officials of the Ministry.
Mr. Amunugama was appointed as the new External Affairs Secretary succeeding Mr. Romesh Jayasinghe.
Mr. Amunugama joined the Sri Lanka Foreign Service in 1985 and has served in many Sri Lanka Missions abroad. He has also served as Sri Lanka’s Ambassador in Bangkok, Tokyo and Beijing, prior to his appointment as the External Affairs Secretary.
Ministry of External Affairs
Colombo
28th March 2011
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Ambassador Aryasinha cautions Europe on LTTE’s false pretences
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Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to Belgium, Luxembourg and the EU Ravinatha Aryasinha,
has said, “it is important that European States and institutions do not provide
any political or symbolic support, nor should they be fooled by the false
pretences
of those continuing to advocate mono-ethnic separatism in Sri Lanka “through
peaceful means”, while espousing the ideology of the LTTE, using its money and
being manipulated by its surviving military leaders”. He said “given that there
can
no longer be a dichotomy in the manner terrorist and criminality related issues
are treated across the globe between the law enforcement /criminal justice
community
on the one hand, and the political community on the other, there should not be a
disconnect between these respective institutions of Governance on how to deal
with this growing problem”.
Ambassador Aryasinha made these observations when he addressed a group of senior
members of the judicial, police, intelligence, military and corporate security
community on the theme “Thwarting the LTTE’s designs in Europe”, at a
meeting of the European Corporate Security Association (ECSA) held on 23 March
2011 in Brussels.
Read more...
Statement at Europol Seminar on LTTE - December 2008
Statement at Eurojust Tactical Meeting on LTTE Front Organizations
- March 2009
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Allow domestic accountability process
– SL delegation at UNHRC
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Drawing the attention of the United Nations Human Right Council (UNHRC) to the
Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) appointed by President
Mahinda Rajapaksa, the Sri Lanka delegation told the Council that the LLRC is
a domestic process pursuing an agenda of restorative justice to lay foundation
for continued reconciliation and allow it to proceed without international
interventions. Head of Sri Lanka mission in the United Nations in Geneva,
Kshenuka Seneviratne speaking in a right of reply in response to the
statement by the European Union said that “it would be more constructive
to desist from this repetitive refrain on accountability and provide
the required time and space for the domestic process already underway,
in fulfilling its objectives, designed for the better of our own people.”
Read more...
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Sri Lanka shrinks HSZ in Jaffna
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Sri Lanka Government is in the process of shrinking the High Security Zones in the northern
Jaffna peninsula. With civil and public administration getting streamlined on par with other
development programmes under the Wadakkin Wasantham (Uthuru Wasanthaya), and law and order
is restored by the Police in the peninsula, The Army is in the process of shrinking
its strengths in popularized areas and shifting camps to remote crown lands
Read more...
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President expresses sympathy on Japan’s earthquake and tsunami
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President Mahinda Rajapaksa, in a message to Emperor of Japan, Akihito expressed
sympathy on the earthquake and tsunami that hit Japan today (11) and stated,
’we pray for solace for those affected by the disaster and for the rapid recovery of the Japanese people and nation‘.
Japan is a very close and dear friend of Sri Lanka. At this moment
of challenge, our thoughts are with Your Majesty and your people, he said.
Read more...
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Belgolux- Sri Lanka Business Council hosts Governor Cabraal at inaugural event
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Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka Ajith Nivard Cabraal, who was on an official
visit to Belgium and Luxembourg last week, was the Guest of Honour at the inaugural
event of the Belgolux- Sri Lanka Business Council (BLSLBC), which was recently
incorporated as a non-profit organization in Belgium. The Governor participated
in an interactive session attended by members of the BLSLBC, representatives
of Belgian companies which participated in the
’Belgian Business Week‘ in Colombo in November, 2010 and prospective investors.
Read more...
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Governor Cabraal says Sri Lanka to develop as a financial hub in South Asia
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Sri Lanka’s Central Bank Governor Ajith Nivard Cabraal has said Sri Lanka
looked to learn from the experiences of countries such as Luxembourg,
as it seeks to find its own niche and develop as a financial hub in
the South Asian region. He said Sri Lanka’s hospitable climate
for expatriates, liberal policies on repatriation of funds and
recent restructuring of the tax base, would serve as
attractions in this endeavour. Governor Cabraal made
these observations when he participated in a round table
discussion titled “Investment and Financial Market
Prospects in Sri Lanka”, held at the Chamber of
Commerce of Luxembourg on 9 March 2011. During
his visit to Luxembourg, the Governor met with
Mr. Yves Mersch, Governor of the Central Bank of Luxemburg
and participated in bilateral discussions with senior officials of the Foreign Ministry of Luxembourg.
Read more...
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“Exports flourish sans GSP Plus“ - Sunday Observer Editorial
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“Today, it has been proved beyond a shadow of doubt that Sri Lanka’s garments
could make an indelible mark in the international arena. Sri Lanka vindicated
its position that it could compete in the international market despite the
withdrawal of the GSP Plus concessions. On the other hand, Sri Lanka’s exports
to the EU countries had grown by 38 percent in the last four months of 2010
despite the withdrawal of the GSP Plus concession. According to the Central Bank
Governor Ajith Nivard Cabraal, this had been made possible as the country had
braced itself for this eventuality and consequently the impact of its loss was
minimal. The Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka said that the exaggerated
fear that the withdrawal of the GSP Plus facility would lead to massive job
losses and a drop in exports did not materialise.......It is now opportune that
we take note of our potential and the quality of our products. Local products no
longer need concessions to compete in the international market as we could do so
on the basis of their quality, competitiveness and improved productivity”.
Read more...
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Central Bank Governor Cabraal calls for OECD to reflect Sri Lanka’s improved
conditions in country ratings
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Sri Lanka’s Central Bank Governor Ajith Nivard Cabraal has called on the
Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) to reflect Sri
Lanka’s improved conditions in their country ratings. In an address to the
European Institute for Asian Studies (EIAS) on the theme “Sri Lanka’s Economic
Resurgence and Future Prospects”, held in Brussels on Tuesday
(8 March 2011), the Governor described the current OECD overall rating of Sri
Lanka, as being a constraint to facilitate businessman of the OECD countries to
trade with and invest in the country, due to the higher risk premiums in
obtaining credit insurance. The Governor said that in his meetings in Brussels
with Belgian authorities, he had also made representation to make this
adjustment.
Read more...
Governor’s presentation at EIAS...
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