Sri Lanka High Commission in Ottawa

Addressing the inaugural session of the 47th Consultative Committee Meeting of The Colombo Plan on August 11, Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunawardena said that The Colombo Plan’s work and experience in the areas of socio-economic development will be a source of strength as member countries grapple with the challenges of the post-pandemic world. As the global climate calls for even more focus on social and economic development, The Colombo Plan member states must build upon existing cooperation and explore new avenues for cooperation in a new and challenging global environment.

Recalling that the success of the organizations cause depends on the commitment, contribution and meaningful action of all member states, the Minister Gunawardena requested advanced states to continue extending their support to The Colombo Plan so that it may sustain and further develop meaningful programmes for the developing member states in the quest for shared prosperity for all.

In keeping with President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s vision of ‘Green and Smart’ cities, within the Government’s environmental policy, Vistas of Prosperity & Splendour, Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunawardena announced Sri Lanka’s willingness to take leadership to promote programmes within The Colombo Plan on building sustainable green cities. Speaking on the globally topical issue of rapid urbanization and the need for sustainable cities and increasing green spaces, the Minister Gunawardena said rapid urbanization has a greater impact on developing countries and poorer nations who are constantly playing technological catch-up. As building sustainable cities requires investment, he said, countries must be supported through assistance such as capacity building, access to green technology, energy and infrastructure, and the development of sustainable and reliable public services.

The Foreign Minister Gunawardena also quoted Prof. Ranil Senanayake, leading Sri Lankan global environmentalist, in his proposed paradigm shift in green environmental discussions, to provide positive returns to offset financial debt of nations which have shown ecological contribution and commitment.

In his welcoming remarks, Foreign Secretary Admiral Prof. Jayanath Colombage recalled that The Colombo Plan has made history as one of the earliest attempts at international cooperation by recognizing the importance of human resources development and south-south cooperation. He observed The Colombo Plan’s significance today as an economic group with a combined population of about 40% of the world’s population and a total GDP of about US$ 37 Trillion.

The Secretary-General of The Colombo Plan Ambassador Phan Kieu Thu addressed the session as well and commended the contribution made by Sri Lanka and other Members States to the deliberations of The Colombo Plan.

Sri Lanka is hosting the two day 47th Consultative Committee Meeting for the fifth time since the inception of The Colombo Plan and the first time in twenty years. Additional Secretary for Economic Affairs of the Foreign Ministry P.M Amza chaired the Consultative Committee Meeting while the Sri Lanka Delegation comprised Acting Director General/ Economic Affairs H. M. K. Herath, Director/Economic Affairs Priyanga Wickramasinghe and Acting Director Economic Affairs Ahamed Razee.

Sri Lanka is a founding member of The Colombo Plan which was conceived at the 1950 Commonwealth Conference on Foreign Affairs in Colombo, as a cooperative endeavour. It was established in 1951 and has grown from the initial seven member states to twenty-seven in 2021. For the past 70 years, the organization has been headquartered in Colombo.

Foreign Ministry
Colombo

11 August, 2021

(https://mfa.gov.lk/colombo-plan-fm/)

The COP26 Regional Ambassador for the Asia-Pacific and South Asia Ken O’Flaherty congratulated Sri Lanka for timely submission of its updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) with ambitious commitments on renewable energy and net zero carbon, as well as a pledge for “no more coal.” He reiterated that the commitment at the highest level of policy making is the strength behind such ambitious commitments and it would no doubt bring wide accolades to Sri Lanka. Ambassador O’Flaherty also stated that there are a wide range of opportunities for countries when they submit NDCs with clear ambitious targets, not only for climate financing grants, but also for attracting foreign investors who are increasingly focusing on countries with clear de-carbonizing mechanisms in their policies. He reiterated that overall Net Zero Carbon by 2050 is an important target accepted by an increasing number of countries.

Ambassador Ken O’ Flaherty made these comments when he called on Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunawardena at the Parliament. COP 26 Regional Ambassador for Asia-Pacific Ken O’ Flaherty visited Sri Lanka from 5th - 9th August 2021. The visit was organized by the High Commission of UK in Colombo in liaise with the Foreign Ministry and the Ministry of Environment of Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka’s progressive initiatives to mitigate climate change impacts, including President Gotabaya Rajapaksa's initiative “Towards a Green Socio-Economic Pattern with Sustainable Solutions to Climate Change,” Sri Lanka’s engagement with the Commonwealth Blue Charter by championing the Action Group on Mangrove Ecosystems and Livelihoods (MELAG) as well as actively participating in eight other Action Groups within the Blue Charter covering other areas, and the Mangrove Caretaker Programme launched with the British High Commission in Colombo were highlighted by Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunawardena during the discussion. The Foreign Minister also extended an invitation to COP26 Presidency Rt. Alok Sharma to visit Sri Lanka. He also thanked the Government of UK for assistance being offered to Sri Lanka through the Blue Planet Fund’s Ocean Country Partnership Programme. The 26th Conference of the Parties (COP26) under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) is due to take place in November 2021 in Glasgow, Scotland and the United Kingdom holds the COP26 Presidency.

During the discussions, the importance of the visit amidst global challenges due to COVID-19 and the gesture of goodwill by the British government in being the first country to come forward with specific assistance when the MV Pearl X-Press vessel disaster happened on 20th May 2021, was also appreciated by the Sri Lankan side.

The importance of bringing nitrogen waste into the climate change discourse was reiterated by the Sri Lankan side, in the context of the direct global warming potential (mass basis) of the greenhouse gas Nitrous Oxide (N2O) and Sri Lanka's initiatives through the Colombo Declaration on Sustainable Nitrogen Management which seeks to halve nitrogen waste by 2030 and the UK’s own initiative on Nitrogen4NetZero. The importance of forging collaboration between the UK and Sri Lanka was reiterated during the discussion.

Actg. British High Commissioner Bruce Bucknell, Head of Prosperity Section of the British High Commission in Colombo Andrew Price and Director General of Ocean Affairs, Environment and Climate Change of the Foreign Ministry Hasanthi Urugodawatte Dissanayake participated at the meeting.

During the visit, Ambassador O'Flaherty had extensive discussions with Minister of Environment Mahinda Amaraweera and senior officials, followed by a technical level working meeting chaired by Secretary of the Ministry of Environment Dr. Anil Jasinghe. The visiting Ambassador O'Flaherty also called on State Minister of Regional Cooperation Tharaka Balasuriya and Foreign Secretary Admiral Prof. Jayanath Colombage. The visit concluded with the planting of a Golden Shower Tree, Cassia fistula at the Beddagana Wetland Park managed by the Urban Development Authority. This Wetland Park is also connected to the “Darwin Initiative”, a wetland conservation project funded by the British High Commission in Colombo and the International Water Management institute.

Foreign Ministry

Colombo

August 2021

(https://mfa.gov.lk/cop26-south-asia/)

Ambassador of Japan to Sri Lanka Akira Sujiama called on Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunawardena and expressed his gratitude for the solidarity shown by Sri Lanka by participating in this year’s Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan. The meeting took place at the Foreign Ministry on 9th August.

Minister Gunawardena conveyed that the Government of Sri Lanka and its people are grateful to the Government of Japan and its people for donating 1.45 million doses of AstraZeneca vaccines, at the request made by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to the Prime Minister of Japan. The Japanese Ambassador stated that the Government of Japan is very pleased with the prompt action taken by the Government of Sri Lanka to make the vaccines donated to Sri Lanka available to the public at the earliest.

Since the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries falls in April next year, both sides discussed at length on the possibility of holding a joint commemoration ceremony on the occasion. The two sides also exchanged information on bilateral relations between the two countries and the progress of the development projects in Sri Lanka under Japanese investment as well as new investment opportunities.

Foreign Ministry

Colombo

10 August 2021

(https://mfa.gov.lk/japan-appreciates-sl/)

State Minister of Regional Cooperation Tharaka Balasuriya, speaking at the 28th ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) held virtually on 6 August 2021, emphasised Sri Lanka’s commitment for enhanced cooperation with the ARF. The State Minister Balasuriya appreciated the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) for the initiatives to empower youth, sustainable use of ocean resources and promoting successful ocean based trading system, as well as combating and preventing cybercrime in the context of developing a digital economy through a collective mechanism.  Sri Lanka further expressed its commitment to work in tandem with ARF and contribute, with a focused effort, to promote ideas and best practices. State Minister of Regional Cooperation Tharaka Balasuriya represented Sri Lanka at the meeting which was chaired by the Foreign Minister of Brunei Darussalam Dato Erywan Yusof.

Sri Lanka was appointed to be a co-chair of the Inter – Sessional Meeting on Nuclear Non-proliferation and Disarmament 2022, together with Viet Nam and the United States. In this initiative, Sri Lanka will play a lead role in the area of use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes. At this year’s ARF, Sri Lanka co-sponsored the Joint Statement to Promote the Youth, Peace and Security Agenda together with Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Australia, US, New Zealand and Canada, expressing Sri Lanka’s commitment to invest in youth for future prosperity.  Sri Lanka will also host a Workshop in the field of disaster management contributing to the discussion on nurturing a climate of stability, especially in the dynamic disaster prone Southeast Asian region.

The participating ministers from member countries exchanged views on a wide array of issues facing the region including possible future challenges.  All members endorsed the importance of enhancing regional and international solidarity and cooperation towards a collective and effective response to the COVID-19 pandemic and advancing global recovery.

The Meeting also expressed concerns over the situation in Myanmar and urged to address the issues as agreed at the ASEAN Leaders Meeting on 24 April 2021, through the Five-Point Consensus and its swift implementation through a clear timeline.  Furthermore, all members called for achieving complete denuclearisation and establishment of permanent peace on the Korean Peninsula through diplomacy and dialogue.  Referring to the South China Sea, the meeting reiterated the importance of maintaining and promoting peace, security and stability through peaceful resolution of disputes in accordance with universally recognised principles of international law.  The Meeting further affirmed its commitment to addressing the complex challenges posed by terrorism, violent extremism and transnational crime, and the importance of ensuring security of ICT supply chains for economic growth, within the rapidly changing ICT environment.

ARF has over the years contributed as a premium platform for security, dialogue and cooperation in the region to deal with issues through a collective approach.

Foreign Ministry

Colombo

10 August, 2021

(https://mfa.gov.lk/sm-28th-arf/)

Representative of Sri Lanka to the State of Palestine Nawalage Bennet Cooray presented Letters of Credence to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Palestine Dr. Riad Al-Malki at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates in Ramallah, Palestine on 03 August, 2021.

During the meeting, that followed the presentation of Letters of Credence, Minister Al-Malki appreciated the longstanding ties with Sri Lanka and stated that Palestine is keen to expand the scope of bilateral cooperation in various aspects, especially with the development projects of the Palestinian International Cooperation Agency (PICA) and reactivating the Sri Lankan project “the Mahinda Rajapaksa Vocational Training Centre in Beitunia”.

Representative Cooray conveying greetings and best wishes from Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunawardena to Minister Al-Malki, expressed the commitment of Sri Lanka to further advance and strengthen the bilateral relations between the two countries.

Representative Cooray pointed out that due to the prevailing global pandemic, it would take a while to process the starting of the Mahinda Rajapaksa Vocational Training Centre.

Minister Al-Malki expressed his gratitude for the support extended and the stance of the Sri Lankan Government on the Palestinian cause and Palestinian people in all international fora.

Representative Cooray stressed the solidarity that Sri Lanka shares with Palestine and its people and their right to establish an independent state.  He expressed his willingness to strength the special relations nurtured between Sri Lanka and Palestine covering a multitude of areas.

Representative Office of Sri Lanka
Ramallah

09 August 2021

Addressing the first International Forum on COVID-19 Vaccine Cooperation held virtually on 05 August 2021, Foreign Minister Gunawardena called for enhanced global efforts to forge closer cooperation between countries to enable the availability and affordability of COVID-19 vaccines to everyone in line with SDG 3 target to ensure access to safe, effective, quality and affordable essential medicines and vaccines for all.

While highlighting GoSL’s success in vaccinating more than 90% of its population over the age of 30 with the first dose of vaccination, Minister Gunawardena underlined that there still remained significant inequalities in vaccination programs across the world, that need to be remedied  to successfully defeat the COVID-19 pandemic.

Towards this end, Minister Gunawardena thanked both bilateral and international partners, particularly China for the timely supply of over 10 million vaccines including the gift of 2.7 million Sinopharm vaccines to Sri Lanka’s vaccination campaign.

Foreign Minister also urged closer cooperation on research and product enhancement to maintain the quality of vaccine manufacturing.

The Forum, which was chaired by the Foreign Minister of China Wang Yi was attended by the UN Secretary General, Director General of the WHO, Foreign Ministers and Health Ministers of 24 countries, representatives of GAVI, CEPI and vaccine manufacturers. A Joint Statement on advancing vaccine cooperation was also released by the participants following the meeting.

Foreign Ministry

Colombo

06 August, 2021

(https://mfa.gov.lk/fm-1covid-forum/)

High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka Gopal Baglay called on Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunawardena on 03 August, 2021.

Minister Gunawardena thanked the government and the people of India for extending assistance to Sri Lanka in combating the COVID 19 pandemic and appraised the opening of the country for economic activities. The High Commissioner Baglay also appreciated Sri Lanka for lifting entry restrictions imposed on Indians if they are fully vaccinated as lifting of such restrictions would provide immense benefits for Sri Lanka’s tourism industry and the economy as a whole.

During the discussion, a joint commemoration of the 75th Anniversary of Independence of India and Sri Lanka was proposed in view of celebrating the centuries old cultural values shared between the two countries. Commemorating this milestone which consists of cultural and religious events such as Buddhist pilgrims' programmes and more importantly bringing down sacred Buddhist relics from India to Sri Lanka, which would the bilateral relations to flourish further.

The Minister Gunawardena underscored the government's priority in the field of renewable energy and he invited Indian private sector investments in the sustainable energy sector in Sri Lanka. While endorsing the Government’s move, High Commissioner Baglay stated that Indian investors are keen to invest in the renewable energy sector, especially in solar energy.

A wide range of areas of mutual interest such as the joint commission on renewable energy, air connectivity, mutual trade and investment ventures, technical cooperation for digitalizing Sri Lankan movies and regional cooperation in the BIMSTEC were also discussed in length.

Foreign Ministry

Colombo

05 August, 2021

(https://mfa.gov.lk/india-slfm/)