Sri Lanka High Commission in Ottawa

Foreign Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris received High Commissioner of the United Kingdom to Sri Lanka Sarah Hulton, and conducted an open and wide-ranging discussion in Colombo on Tuesday (28). During the engagement, Minister Peiris and the UK Envoy discussed several key issues pertaining to the close bilateral relationship between the two countries.

The Sri Lankan Foreign Minister referred to the recent cordial engagement with British Minister of State for South Asia, United Nations and the Commonwealth Lord Tariq Ahmad on the side-lines of the 76th UN General Assembly in New York, following up on previous communication with the UK’s Minister of State. This dialogue, the Minister stated, is important in the context of Lord Ahmad’s initiatives to engage the Sri Lankan diaspora in the UK and to generate a more realistic understanding of contemporary developments in Sri Lanka. This is expected to be further enhanced by a proposed visit by the UK State Minister later in 2021.

Several key areas impacting on future Sri Lanka – UK bilateral relations were discussed, including the recent initiatives to foster and develop domestic reconciliation measures taken by the Sri Lankan Government. These included the work of the institutions dealing with national unity and reconciliation, missing persons, accountability and reparations. High Commissioner Hulton also raised concerns relating to certain high profile Sri Lankan cases that are of current interest and focus. Some of these issues were adverted to in the context of Sri Lanka’s ongoing engagement with the UN Human Rights Council.

Minister Peiris and High Commissioner Hulton also discussed enhanced trade and investment opportunities for UK businesses in Sri Lanka – especially new opportunities in the Port City development. Widening intra-Commonwealth trade and economic cooperation and related issues were also referred to.

Going forward, Sri Lanka’s positive commitments in support of global environmental initiatives in the larger context of participation in the upcoming COP26 Summit in the UK and its ongoing efforts in this sphere were also discussed.

Minister Peiris expressed his appreciation of the close, long-standing, historically significant and enduring relationship between the two countries and said he expected the fruitful and productive partnership to continue.

Foreign Ministry

Colombo

29 September, 2021

(https://mfa.gov.lk/sl-fm-ukhc/)

Foreign Minister Prof. G. L. Peiris and British Minister of State for South Asia, United Nations and the Commonwealth Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon had discussions recently at the Sri Lanka Mission in New York.

The Ministers discussed a wide range of issues including trade, investment opportunities available in the Port City and elsewhere, resumption of tourism, and matters relating to development and reconciliation with particular reference to relations with the diaspora.

Minister Peiris briefed Lord Ahmad in detail about the substantial progress on the ground in a variety of sectors by domestic institutions, despite constraints imposed by the Covid pandemic.

Lord Ahmad accepted with pleasure the invitation by Minister Peiris to visit Sri Lanka at his early convenience.

Foreign Ministry

Colombo

26 September, 2021

(https://mfa.gov.lk/sl-british-ministers/)

South African Minister for International Relations and Cooperation Dr. Naledi Pandor received Foreign Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris at the Permanent Mission of South Africa in New York, on Friday 24 September 2021, for a bilateral meeting, on the sidelines of the 76th Session of the United Nations General Assembly. The Foreign Minister was accompanied by Foreign Secretary Admiral Prof. Jayanath Colombage.

Minister Pandor congratulated the Minister on his appointment as Foreign Minister and recalled the close and friendly bilateral ties between the two countries. Minister Peiris recalled his long association with South Africa dating to his Doctoral work where he had visited South African Universities and conducted a series of lectures on Constitutional Law.  The Minister also recalled fondly his close friendships and connections with prominent and leading South African Minister Dullah Omar, and leading personalities Roelf Meyer and Ebrahim Ebrahim, who played pivotal roles in the freedom struggle against the Apartheid government and several visits undertaken to South Africa at a High Level. He said that former President Mahinda Rajapaksa had attended the funeral of the late President Nelson Mandela.

The Minister highlighted that Sri Lanka had closely looked at South Africa’s rich experience and unique history in the areas of reconciliation and truth, and while noting that many aspects were particular to South Africa’s own national experience, Sri Lanka had carefully reflected on some aspects of this experience. Minister Peiris briefed his South African counterpart about Sri Lanka’s own initiatives, including its own Office of Missing Persons and Office of Reparations and their contribution towards Sri Lanka’s post conflict development and national unity.

Minister Pandor highlighted that South Africa was pleased to share their experiences and lessons with countries looking to address post conflict issues and that they continued to learn lessons in addressing past human rights abuses and on issues related to reparations.

Minister Peiris invited his counterpart to visit Sri Lanka to expand on the rich bilateral relations between the two sides. Minister Pandora also extended an invitation for the Minister to visit South Africa and renew close ties. The two Ministers appreciated the deep and close ties of friendship between the two countries and close cooperation in the multilateral arena.

Foreign Ministry

Colombo

26 September 2021

(https://mfa.gov.lk/fm-sl-south-africa/)

Foreign Minister of Indonesia Retno Lestari Priansari Marsudi welcomed the Foreign Minister of Sri Lanka to the Mission of Indonesia in New York. The Indonesian Foreign Minister emphasized that there are no bilateral issues between the two countries and hence the priority as Foreign Ministers is to strengthen bilateral relations with a special focus on economic cooperation. The Preferential Trade Agreement which is being discussed needs to be finalized in order to enhance bilateral trade.

Minister G.L. Peiris indicated that relations between the two countries as members of the nonaligned movement are critically important. The NAM is relevant even today since the philosophy of NAM is not to align on every issue but to judge every issue on its own merits. Hence we need to infuse more energy to this movement. Minister Peiris also indicated that Indonesia and Sri Lanka share a keen interest in Indian Ocean security. Therefore it is necessary to further empower the Indian Ocean Rim Association and ASEAN Regional Forum. Minister Peiris furthermore appreciated the cooperation in defence, intelligence sharing and staff level consultations with regards to countering terrorism and other forms of maritime crimes. Minister further highlighted that Sri Lanka wishes to have greater interaction with ASEAN since there are vibrant trade relations with some members of ASEAN and the potential synergy is evident. In this regard, Sri Lanka wishes to be a sectoral dialogue partner and to create a bridge between SAARC and ASEAN.  The Minister congratulated the Government of Indonesia on the remarkable success of combating the COVID-19 pandemic. This pandemic has resulted in unifying forces of humanity and allows us to come together in solidarity. The Minister also indicated the potential for enhancing tourism between the two countries.

Both Ministers agreed that there is a need to invigorate NAM and IORA to ensure effective outcomes. The Foreign Minister also agreed to visit each other’s countries at mutually convenient times.

Foreign Ministry

Colombo

25 September, 2021

(https://mfa.gov.lk/sl-fm-indonesia/)

Foreign Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris met the Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology of the United Arab Emirates Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, on the sidelines of the 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) where both Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthen the good relationship between the countries based on mutual understanding and respect.

Minister Peiris recalled his longstanding friendship with the Foreign Minister of UAE Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan and stated that he was looking forward to welcoming him to Sri Lanka soon. Sri Lanka and the UAE have fruitful and constructive collaboration in the international fora including at the International Maritime Organization, the UN Human Rights Council and the UN Security Council. Both Ministers agreed that it is not acceptable to impose on countries various conditions and agendas and that a one-size fits all policy does not deliver results.

Minister Al Jaber stated that the one-size fits all policy is also not applicable to climate change, and it is necessary to define mechanisms that would allow countries to adapt and mitigate climate change without affecting their economies. He stated that the UAE had put forward their nomination to host the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP 28) in 2023 and looked forward to the support of Sri Lanka.

Approximately 300,000 Sri Lankans are living and working in the UAE. The Foreign Minister expressed appreciation of the Government of Sri Lanka for providing employment opportunities for Sri Lankans and for looking after their welfare, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. He also thanked the UAE Government for introducing constructive legislation related to the welfare of workers. Minister Peiris briefed Minister Al Jaber on the progress of the vaccination drive in Sri Lanka and, while appreciating the relaxation of visas, looked forward to its further expansion. He also outlined the steps being taken by the Government to re-boost the tourism sector, specifically highlighting the ability to accommodate the specific priorities and requirements of visitors from the Gulf region.

Foreign Minister Peiris explained the challenges which Sri Lanka is currently experiencing with regard to its external budget, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. He focused in particular on the country’s requirement of oil, and requested concessionary arrangements from the UAE. Minister Al Jaber, responding positively, said that the UAE would be happy to assist, and proposed the establishment of a strategic framework to take the process forward. Both sides agreed to follow-up rapidly.

Foreign Ministry

Colombo

24 September 2021

(https://mfa.gov.lk/sl-fm-uae/)

Foreign Minister G.L. Peiris in his discussion with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Thailand Don Pramudwinai indicated strong and historical bilateral ties as two countries practising Theravada Buddhism.

Minister appreciated the assistance provided by Thailand to sustain the Buddhist monks at a time Sri Lanka did not have a sufficient number of senior Buddhist monks. Minister highlighted that the relations between the two countries are not limited to the governments but also between the people. Both the countries have worked closely together in many international and regional groupings such as BIMSTEC, IORA and Asian Cooperation Dialogue.  Minister Peiris indicated that there is abundant scope for enhancing cooperation between the two countries in agriculture, inland fisheries, and gem and jewellery. Sri Lanka is keen on value addition to our products and expertise can be obtained from Thailand in this regard.

Minister Peiris, furthermore thanked the Government of Thailand for their unstinted support in UNHRC for the principled position that imposing foreign solutions on individual countries without the consent of that country is against the principles of the UN.

Thailand Foreign Minister mentioned memories of participating in royal “Katina” in Sri Lanka and indicated that prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Sri Lanka was part of the Buddhist holy trail and the Minister hopes that it would revive once the COVID-19 pandemic is brought under control. The Foreign Minister of Thailand stated that they are ready to take over from Sri Lanka the chairmanship of BIMSTEC and to carry forward the initiatives underway. Minister stressed the importance of preventing climate change and the need for all to be on board whether it is corporate sector, community and youth. We need to address the issues and collaboratively work together to create a more peaceful world.

Foreign Ministry

Colombo

24 September, 2021

(https://mfa.gov.lk/sl-fs-thailand/)