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EU accommodates Sri Lanka’s request for the use of Sulphur Dioxide in processing of Cinnamon
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The European Union (EU) has allowed Sri Lanka’s request for the use of Sulphur Dioxide in the processing of Cinnamon.
Sulphur dioxide (SO2) has been used for 2 purposes, viz for its biocidal activity
and for bleaching. The cinnamon industry has traditional practices in cinnamon
processing and the use of SO2 in fumigation has been known to the industry for centuries.
Sulphur Dioxide (SO2) fumigation keeps the hygienic quality and fumigation functions as a preservative, anti-browning agent,
and helps in the fixation of the characteristic golden yellow colour of Ceylon Cinnamon.
Read more...
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Acting High Commissioner Amza refutes Channel 4 Allegations in live BBC Radio debate
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Refuting unsubstantiated allegations in “Sri Lanka’s Killing Fields”, Acting High Commissioner
P M Amza questioned the motive behind Channel 4’s vindictive campaign against Sri Lanka.
Emphasising that Sri Lanka has set a domestic mechanism in motion to look into all matters
of concern Acting High Commissioner Amza pointed out glaring errors in the film and
instances where the broadcaster has taken the liberty even to misrepresent what
is heard in Tamil. He charged the producer of blatant bias.
Read more...
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SL envoys in US reveal inconsistencies in Channel 4 video
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Sri Lanka’s Permanent Representative to the UN Dr. Palitha Kohona and Deputy Permanent
Representative Major General Shavendra Silva yesterday revealed about the inconsistencies
and the biased narration of the documentary aired by Channel 4 recently.
The Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch and the International
Crisis Group who claimed that the documentary reinforces the findings
of the Darusman Report organised a screening of the Channel 4 documentary
at the UN Church Centre yesterday.
The two Sri Lankan diplomats told the gathering the Channel
4 video fiasco is a well-planned ploy to tarnish a country which succeeded
in eradicating a deadly terrorist organization which held thousands of innocent civilians hostage.
Read more...
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Channel 4 rejected previous request for video and textual information – LLRC
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The Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) has said the British television
Channel 4 network that aired two videos of alleged war crimes committed in Sri Lanka had
previously refused a request by the Commission for textual information on the first video.
LLRC Spokesperson Lakshman Wickremasinghe told the media the Commission was yet to
decide on the mechanism to probe the latest Channel 4 video telecast on June 14
since the Channel 4 had turned down a request for material made by the Commission earlier.
Read more...
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Lankans among fastest-growing millionaires
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Sri Lanka is among the six of the 10 countries in Asia with the fastest-growing millionaire populations, led by Hong Kong and Vietnam, which each
saw annual growth of 33 percent, a latest survey said. Others included Indonesia, Singapore, and India.
Read more...
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Russia and China extend further support to Sri Lanka - Minister of External Affairs Prof. G. L. Peiris
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Minister of External Affairs Prof. G. L. Peiris stated that
all politically motivated campaigns against Sri Lanka would fail as
they were based on wrong information and not on objective assessments.
Addressing the media at the Ministry on 21st June 2011, Minister Peiris described
the recent visit of President Mahinda Rajapaksa to St. Petersburg, Russia as
“unreservedly successful” which brought dividends to Sri Lanka. Addressing the
media at the External Affairs Ministry Prof. Peiris briefed on the highlights
of the visit which included the bilateral
meetings with the Presidents of Russia, China and Kazakhstan and the Prime Minister of Spain.
Read more...
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European Parliament Report says “it strongly believes there is room for constructive and principled engagement between the EU and Sri Lanka”
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The Report of the European Parliament’s Delegation for Relations with
South Asia following their visit to Sri Lanka from 22-26 February 2011
for the 6th EP/Sri Lanka Inter-Parliamentary Meeting was tabled in Brussels last week.
The ‘conclusions’ contained in the report, which comments on the aspects of development
cooperation, devolution and reconciliation, practical steps suggested and Inter-Parliamentary
cooperation, state that “the EP South Asia Delegation would like to underline that it strongly
believes there is room for constructive and principled engagement between the EU and Sri Lanka –
despite the disagreements of the past and the fact that, in some areas, differences
in perceptions still subsist”. It also “calls on the diaspora to play a positive role
in supporting this approach by working constructively with the elected Tamil leadership
in Sri Lanka”.
Read more...
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“What Sri Lanka needs from its friends is not threats but space and support” – Foreign Ministry
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The Ministry of External Affairs of Sri Lanka has observed that “at this crucial
time what Sri Lanka needs from its friends is not threats but the space and
support for restoration of what was lost over three decades and the opportunity
to move rapidly forward towards reconciliation and economic development”. The
Government of Sri Lanka made this observation in response to a statement by the
British Foreign Office Minister for South Asia Alistair Burt on the Channel 4
documentary telecast on 14th June 2011.
The External Affairs Ministry Statement said, “This documentary, like the
Darusman Report, does no more than put together a sequence of events and images,
to justify a conclusion arrived at in advance. The origins of this footage are
yet to be established, and no one has so far taken responsibility for its
contents. It is a mere collection of visuals previously aired through LTTE
websites and a miniscule section of the international media, at the behest of
parties with vested interests to undermine the present efforts at reconciliation
and development taking place in Sri Lanka. The views expressed in the film are
without any guarantee of authenticity”.
Read more...
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Government’s response to Channel 4 Film –
“ Sri Lanka’s Killing Fields”
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The Government of Sri Lanka categorically denies the allegations that
it has deliberately targeted its own civilians,
as the Channel 4 alleges in its film “ Sri Lanka’s Killing Fields” .
Read more...
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BOI records rising FDI trend
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The Board of Investment of Sri Lanka has announced the achievement of the highest
ever quarterly FDI inflow in Q1 of 2011. The inflow of US$ 236 million in realized
foreign investments for January to March this year is an increase of almost 160%
versus the corresponding period in 2010.
Read more...
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Nordic Greens “Hearing” in EU Parliament, a mere gimmick - Ambassador Aryasinha
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Ambassador Ravinatha Aryasinha has said the so called “hearing” held at the
European Parliament today ( 1 June 2011) was “a mere gimmick”, and that “the
event attended by a handful of MEPs has no official standing and is a mere party
event organized by the European Nordic Left/Nordic Greens Left (GUE/NGL), a
fringe political party which has 35 out of 736 members in the European
Parliament”.
The Nordic Greens, together with other Left parties played a leading role three
weeks ago in moving for an ‘urgency’ resolution on Sri Lanka seeking the
”immediate establishment of an international justice mechanism on Sri Lanka” to
give effect to the Darusman Report, which attempt was rejected in a formal
plenary session of the European Parliament in Strasbourg on May 12.
Read more...
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Statement by Attorney-General of Sri Lanka, Mohan Pieris, during the Interactive Dialogue on the Report of the Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions, Christof Heyns 17th Session of the Human Rights Council, 31 May 2011
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Mr. President,
Sri Lanka welcomes the Special Rapporteur’s efforts to provide the government
an opportunity to respond to his technical note, we would however like to
observe that the whole exercise did not achieve its full potential. Firstly
the report contained blurred and illegible images which were not of
a quality that could be examined and therefore precluded the government
from making a proper assessment. It would therefore be useful for
legible copies to be made available in a timely manner. A request
was also made to provide documents in their original forms. These too were
transmitted by way of a scanned document of a faxed document. The illustrations
in the Spivac report were also illegible which meant that the images on which many assertions were made could not be revealed in time.
We assure the SR that the outcome will be shared with him once such analysis is complete.
Read more...
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Statement made by Hon. Mahinda Samarasinghe, Head of Sri Lanka delegation at the 17th Sesion of the United Nations Human Rights Council
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Mr. President
Excellencies
Madam High Commissioner
Distinguished delegates
I wish to commend the constructive manner in which you, Mr President, have been conducting
the work of the Human Rights Council. Our deliberations have been guided by you with sagacity
and sensitivity, aimed at achieving the objectives of our agenda in a fair and equitable manner.
You have the fullest cooperation and support of my delegation for the work of the Council.
Read more...
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Statement by H.E. Kshenuka Senewiratne, Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka to the UN, Geneva on the Statement of the High Commissioner for Human Rights Navanethem Pillay on 30 May 2011
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Mr. President,
My delegation is perplexed to note the High Commissioner’s reference as
stated, to the report of the Secretary General’s Panel of Experts on
accountability in Sri Lanka. It is widely known that the said report
was borne outside of an intergovernmental process. It is a report
which was initiated solely by the UNSG to advise himself on the
modalities, applicable international standards and comparative experience
relevant to an accountability process in respect to the conflict in Sri Lanka.
It is extremely unfortunate, Mr President, that the High Commissioner has
thought fit to refer to it in her report to the 17th Session of the HRC,
a document which was compiled by a Panel to advise the SG, that too at
his own request, and well exceeding its mandate, thereby bringing
into question her objectivity. In this context, the High
Commissioner has resorted to drawing on recommendations
culminating from a report of a non intergovernmental process,
which also has no official status in the UN system.
This Council would agree that at no point has it sought this so
called information referred to by the High Commissioner.
Read more...
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Minister of External Affairs addresses the XVI Ministerial Conference and Commemorative Meeting marking the 50th Anniversary of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) in Indonesia
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Minister of External Affairs, Prof G.L. Peiris addressing the XVI Ministerial Conference and Commemorative Meeting marking
the 50th Anniversary of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) stated that the Non-Aligned Movement had
a critical role to play, in a changed global scenario, in collectively addressing common challenges
such as the scourge of terrorism, plaguing many countries of the world. Towards this end, Minister
Peiris stressed on the need for NAM to build synergies with other organizations, which share
similar values such as the G-15, BIMSTEC and SAARC. President Rajapaksa, in his capacity
as the current chair of the G-15 was ready to facilitate such an endeavour. Minister
Peiris delivered these comments during the thematic debate held under the
topic ‘Shared vision on the contribution of NAM for the next 50 years’.
Read more...
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Sri Lanka signs Stand-by Arrangement with the UN for Peacekeeping Operations
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Sri Lanka became the 63rd country to sign a Memorandum of Understanding on stand-by arrangements for United Nations peacekeeping operations.
The signing ceremony took place in the office of Assistant-Secretary-General and Military Adviser for Peacekeeping Operations, Lieutenant General Babacar Gaye on 20 May 2011.
Read more...
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Only we can solve our own problems, and none other -
President at Ranaviru Day celebrations
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We do not hesitate to ensure the democratic and human rights of the citizens
living in north and east. But we will not heed to the demands of separatists
or terrorists. When people in this country do not accept their demands, they
look for ways to make us bow down using foreign influence. But I must
emphasize that no one can do anything in this country without the
consent of our people. It is only we who can solve our own problems,
and no one else, said President Mahinda Rajapaksa addressing
the nation, at the 2nd Ranaviru Day celebrations at Galle Face, Colombo today ( May 27).
“There is a truth we have to tell the world. We did not build Armed Services to invade countries.
What we have is an Armed Force committed to rebuild the country with utmost commitment to
the people…
Today we celebrate the victory of ensuring the right of every citizen of the country to live in harmony.
It is the victory of freeing thousands of civilians in the north, who were held as hostages, “ the President said.
Read more...
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‘Maha Pirith’ ceremony in Brussels to commemorate the
2600th ‘Sambudhdhathwa Jayanthi’
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The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Belgium commemorated the 2600th Sambudhdathwa
Jayanthi (anniversary of the enlightenment of the Buddha) by organizing a ‘Maha
Pirith ceremony’ on 22 May 2011 at the Sri Lanka Residence. The event was
attended by over 100 persons, including Ambassadors and diplomatic
representatives from Asian countries, representatives of Buddhist Organizations
in Belgium, as well as members of the Sri Lanka community resident in Belgium
and Luxembourg.
The ‘Maha Piritha’ was followed by a colorful display of Vesak lanterns at the
Sri Lanka Residence organized by the children of the Sri Lanka community in
Belgium. The theras were also offered ‘daval dana’ at an alms giving held at the
Embassy Chancery in Brussels on 23rd May 2011.
Media Release in English
Media Release in Sinhala
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Sri Lanka & Luxembourg conclude negotiations on Agreement for the Avoidance
of Double Taxation
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The Government of Sri Lanka & the Government of the Grand Duchy of Luxemburg
have concluded negotiations on an Agreement for the Avoidance of Double Taxation
and for the prevention of fiscal evasion with respect to taxes on income and on
capital.
Luxembourg companies have so far invested over US $ 6 million in six projects
in Sri Lanka
and the conclusion of this agreement would serve as catalyst in stimulating
greater flow of capital, technology and personnel between Sri Lanka and
Luxembourg.
Read more...
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LTTE leader Nediyavan arrested and interrogated in Oslo
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Norway based LTTE leader Perinpanayagam Sivaparan, known by his nom de guerre as
Nediyavan, has been arrested and was produced in an Oslo court last week. A
Dutch judge and five Dutch Defence Attorneys are in Norway to interrogate the
LTTE Leader Nediyavan, who is pointed out by several people to be a key leader
of the LTTE, and heads the criminal faction of the organization. Nediyawan was
reportedly working as a common aide in a kindergarten school in Norway at the
time of his detention.
Confirming the detention of Perinpanayagam Sivaparan , Chairman of the Defence
and Security committee of the opposition Conservative Party Peter Gitmark has
said he hoped the Norwegian Police will also be able to interrogate the man and
shed light on LTTE activities within Norway. “I think it is not in the interest
of the people of Sri Lanka for the LTTE to raise money in Norway and other
places to renew its violent struggle against the government of Sri Lanka,” the
Conservative Party MP has told the BBC. He has also called for the banning of
the LTTE in Norway.
Read more...
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President appoints four key Commissions
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President Mahinda Rajapaksa has appointed four Commissions under Article 41 A of
the Constitution of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka with effect
from May 16, 2011.
These Commissions are the Public Service Commission, the Human Rights Commission
of Sri Lanka, the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery and
Corruption and the Finance Commission.
Read more...
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Netherlands arrest LTTE fundraisers
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Several LTTE fundarisers including the alleged leader of the LTTE Dutch branch
who forced Tamils in Netherlands to pay for the LTTE were arrested by the
Netherlands authorities. Dutch court authorities said the LTTE held these people
in ‘a stranglehold’, forcing them to pay a ‘war tax’. The investigation has been
going on for two years.
Court documents, published by Dutch newspaper NRC Handelsblad, said that the
Tamil Tigers systematically extorted large sums of money from Dutch Tamils. If
they refused, they were threatened with reprisals.
Read more...
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Sri Lankar’s first woman Chief Justice takes oaths
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Justice Dr. Shirani A. Bandaranayake, the Senior Supreme Court Judge, took oaths
as the New Chief Justice of Sri Lanka before President Mahinda Rajapaksa at
Temple Trees on Tuesday.
The new Chief Justice, the first woman to head Sri Lanka’s apex court was
Associate Professor of Law and the Dean of the Faculty of Law, University of
Colombo, before appointment to the bench of the Supreme Court in October 1996.
She was then the first women to be appointed to the Supreme Court, and was also
first Sri Lankan woman to obtain a PhD in Law from a foreign university – the
University of London in 1986.
Read more...
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Sambuddhatva Jayanthi Year declared
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President Mahinda Rajapaksa declared the 2600th Sambuddhatva Jayanthi Year at the
historic Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi at Anuradhapura on Saturday. The Sambuddhatva Jayanthi
Year will be from May 17, 2011 this year’s Vesak Poya – Full Moon -
Day to next year's Vesak Poya Day. The President also declared open the
2600th Sambuddathva Jayanthi commemoration monument at the Anuradhapura
town and named the road leading to the monument as Sri Sambuddathva
Jayanthi Mawatha. The Vesak Festival this year, which marks the
Sambuddhatva Jayanthi, is of great significance to Buddhists
the world over as it marks the 2600th anniversary of the Enlightenment of Prince Siddhartha Gautama,
that made him the Buddha and brought the teachings of Buddhism to the world.
Read more...
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Buddha’s teachings, a mean to resolve all disputes
- President
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The teachings of the Buddha help us to bring to the world the means of resolving all
disputes that arise from unbridled desire. Thus it behoves upon us to give to
the world the path to peace and consolation from these great teachings of
the Sammasambuddhatva or
Great Enlightenment of the Buddha, 2600 years ago, President Mahinda Rajapaksa said.
“On this Vesak festival it should be our determination to take refuge
in the teachings of the Buddha, and through the proper observation
of the teachings of Buddhism make this 2600 Sammasambuddhatva
Jayanthi meaningful to all people,” said President Rajapaksa in his Vesak message.
Read more...
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Joint Press Statement issued at the conclusion of the visit of Minister of External Affairs Hon. Prof G.L Peiris to India
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The Minister of External Affairs of the Government of Sri Lanka, Prof. G L Peiris
visited India from 15-17 May, 2011. During his visit, the External Affairs
Minister of Sri Lanka called on Dr Manmohan Singh, Prime Minister of
India and met with Shri Pranab Mukherjee, Finance Minister, Shri S M Krishna,
External Affairs Minister and Shri Shivshankar Menon, National Security Advisor.
Smt Nirupama Rao, Foreign Secretary, called on the visiting dignitary.
Read more...
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European Parliament rejects move “to seek the immediate establishment of an international justice mechanismn on Sri Lanka”
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The European Parliament today defeated an attempt by the Socialist group
“to seek the immediate establishment of an international justice mechanism”
on Sri Lanka, during an ‘urgency’ debate called by the Socialist and Green
parties at the Strassbourg Plenary session to draw attention to the so called
“UN Panel Report” on accountability issues in Sri Lanka.
Read more...
Final Resolution...
Oral Ammendment defeated...
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Ambassador Aryasinha says, ‘urgency’ debate outcome could be an important ‘turning point’ in Europe in relation to the discussion on Sri Lanka
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Ambassador Ravinatha Aryasinha has said, the outcome of the ‘urgency’ debate
on Sri Lanka held in the European Parliament on 12 May 2011, “could be an important
‘turning point’ in Europe in relation to the discussion on Sri Lanka, and we should use
this moment
to reach out to governments, political groups, civil society groups and
individuals within Europe who continue to be misled by those who oppose Sri
Lanka due to various vested interests” . The Ambassador made this
observation in an interview with Rupavahini News on 13 May 2011.
Read more...
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Darusman report tendentious -
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We will expose all false allegations about Sri Lanka
– President
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The report of the Darusman Committee on the final phase of the operation
to defeat terrorism in Sri Lanka is a tendentious document that makes
grossly false allegations about Sri Lanka and its security forces. The
government will defend the good name of the country and expose the
false allegations that are abundant in this report. So said President Mahinda Rajapaksa, speaking
to editors of the print and electronic media in Sri Lanka at Temple Trees yesterday (10).
Read more...
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European Commission provides €10 million for humanitarian actions in Sri Lanka
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The European Commission extended its humanitarian support to Sri Lanka by another €10 million.
This will finance further assistance for internally displaced Sri Lankans, helping them to return
to their homes, and ensuring that basic services are in place for the returnees.
Kristalina Georgieva, Commissioner for International Cooperation,
Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Response said: “Europe will continue its
impartial support to the vulnerable communities in Sri Lanka, and
will work to build the bridge between relief assistance and long-term
development in the country”.
Read more...
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‘Sri Lanka Pavilion’ attracts the European sea food experts at the European Seafood Expo 2011
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The Sri Lanka Export Development Board in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Embassy
in Belgium organized a ‘Sri Lanka Pavilion’ for the 3rd consecutive year at the annual
European Seafood Exposition (ESE 2011), held at the Parc des Expositions de Bruxelles
(Brussels Exhibitions Grounds) from 3rd to 5th May 2011. The exhibition coincided with the
‘Seafood Processing Europe’ exposition to promote machinery and equipment relating
to fisheries industry. These two exhibitions create Europe’s most complete seafood event for seafood business professionals
with access to a one-stop resource to reach global retail, food service and wholesale market.
Read more...
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US wants a strong and long-term relationship
with Sri Lanka- Assistant Secretary Blake
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US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia Robert Blake has said that
the United States wants a strong and long-term relationship with Sri Lanka. The Assistant
Secretary further said that Sri Lanka is an important country to USA, and particularly
in the areas of maritime security, counter terrorism and combating piracy, USA would
want to work closely with Sri Lanka. Mr. Blake made these observations when he called on the Minister of
External Affairs Prof. G.L. Peiris on 4th May at the External Affairs Ministry.
Read more...
Transcript of the the press conference by Assistant Secretary Robert Blake in Colombo...
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Accountability is up to locals – France
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France said investigation into the alleged war crimes claims in Sri Lanka is
up to the Sri Lankan authorities. “Investigation is up to the Sri Lankan
authorities, as something they should do to ‘improve the reconciliation
process’,” the Inner City press reported quoting the Permanent Representative
of France Gérard Araud, who took over the UN Security Council presidency for May.
He was responding to a question that what France thinks should be done about the UN Panel of Experts report.
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