News

Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera concludes two day visit to India

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Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera who was in New Delhi for a two day official visit on the invitation of the Indian External Affairs Minister, Sushma Swaraj concluded his visit successfully today. This is the first foreign visit undertaken by Minister Samaraweera after assumption of office on 12^th January, and reflects the priority attached by Sri Lanka towards enhanced relations with India.

During this visit, Minister Samaraweera held bilateral talks with the Minister of External Affairs Sushma Swaraj on Sunday (18/01) and called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi today.

Foreign Minister Samaraweera meets Indian counterpart.

Hon. Sushma Swaraj Minister of External Affairs of India, warmly welcomes Hon. Mangala Samaraweera, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Sri Lanka on 18^th January 2015 at Nehru Bhawan in New Delhi.

Foreign Minister Samaraweera calls on Prime Minister Modi in New Delhi

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Hon. Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India welcomes Hon. Mangala Samaraweera, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Sri Lanka on 19^th January 2015 at the Official residence of the Prime Minister in New Delhi.

Mrs Chitranganee Wagiswara appointed as the new Foreign Secretary

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Mrs. Chitranganee Wagiswara has been appointed as the Secretary to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs by the President Maithripala Sirisena. She received her letter of appointment from President Sirisena today (19^th January 2015) at the Presidential Secretariat. Thereafter, Mrs Wagiswara assumed duties at the Ministry Office at a simple ceremony.

Pope Francis calls on President

His Holiness Pope Francis called on President Maithripala Sirisena at the Presidential Secretariat this evening, where bilateral discussions were held between them with the sharing of good wishes.

Later, Prime Minister Ranil Wickramasinghe joined the discussion with Pope Francis and President Sirisena.

After this discussion, His Holiness and the President came to the hall which had a gathering of special invitees for the occasion, where the exchange of gifts between the Pope and the President took place.

President welcomes blessings from the Pope

The visit of Your Holiness gives me an opportunity to receive your blessings as I commence my term of office, said President Maithripala Sirisena welcoming the Holy Father at Bandaranaike International Airport this morning (Jan. 13).

The President, wishing the Pope a most fruitful and memorable journey in Sri Lanka sought the blessings of the Holy Father on the people of Sri Lanka and requested his prayers for the peace progress and prosperity of the people.

Following is the full text of the welcome speech by President Sirisena;

For reconciliation & rebuilding process to succeed all must work together- Pope

“I am convinced that the followers of the various religious traditions have an essential role to play in the delicate process of reconciliation and rebuilding which is taking place in this country”, said His Holiness Pope Francis speaking at the Bandaranaike International Airport upon his arrival, today (13).

“For that process to succeed all members of society must work together; all must have a voice”, he further said.

He said that the process of healing also needs to include the pursuit of truth, not for the sake of opening old wounds, but rather as a necessary means of promoting justice, healing and unity.

Full text of the speech by His Holiness Pope Francis:

Smooth transition of power in Sri Lanka could boost investor confidence - Fitch

The quick and smooth transition of power in Sri Lanka indicates a basic level of political stability, which could bolster foreign investor confidence, the global rating agency, Fitch Ratings said today.

The orderly conduct during Sri Lanka's presidential election, and the peaceful handover of power to newly elected opposition candidate Maithripala Sirisena on 9 January, is a positive signal for political stability, says Fitch Ratings.

Political Leadership and Public Service should set an example to country – President

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The good governance that is the hope and great expectation of everyone could be realized by the political leadership and the public service working in an exemplary manner, in carrying out all their responsibilities, said President Maithripala Sirisena when he began his duties at the Presidential Secretariat today (12).

Addressing political leaders, senior public servants and employees of the Presidential Secretariat, he said it was the responsibility of everyone to ensure the functioning of an enlightened and understanding public service in the country. His aim was to establish and ensure a public service that would not become the tools of those who come to power from time to time, but would be an institution of long term genuine service to the country and people.