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“Arise Sri lanka” - in aid of the frontline Sri Lankan health workers

Friday, 28 August 2020

“Arise Sri lanka” - in aid of the frontline Sri Lankan health workers   

 

“Arise Sri lanka” is a musical programme in aid of the frontline Sri Lankan health workers engaging in work amid COVID-19, which will be presented at the Nelum Pokuna in Colombo with live Streaming through Facebook and YouTube. The programme has been organized with the endorsement of the Ministry of Health and the assistance of the World Health Organization in Sri Lanka.

The organizers of the event have requested the Foreign Ministry to inform all Sri Lanka Missions/Posts of the  Live Streaming that will take place of the musical programme comprising images of Sri Lankan Front Line health workers who selflessly battled COVID-19.

The main objective of the event is to spread awareness on the meaningful steps taken by the Government in successfully combatting COVID-19.

The event will be held on 29th August 2020 at 6.00pm (8.30am New York Time)  at Nelum Pokuna Theatre. The Facebook Page and YouTube channel  which will have live streaming to the event is as follows:

 

 Facebook Page :   https://www.facebook.com/Arisesrilanka2020   

 YouTube Channel:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCr-dJkgkH7jSwajanljr8Fw/about?view_as=subscriber

 

I will take the country towards prosperity without succumbing to any force – President at the opening session of the 9th Parliament

Thursday, 20 August 2020

 

Press Release – Sinhala

Policy Statement – Sinhala

Press Release – Tamil

Policy Statement – Tamil

Press Release and Policy Statement – English

 

State Minister of Regional Co-operation Tharaka Balasuriya reiterates need to strengthen relations with Asian neighbours

Wednesday, 19 August 2020

State Minister of Regional Co-operation Tharaka Balasuriya assumed duties at the Foreign Ministry today (19 August). The State Minister was received by Foreign Secretary Admiral (Prof.) Jayanath Colombage and other senior officials, upon his arrival at the Ministry. Religious observances were conducted to invoke blessings prior to the assumption of duties. 

State Minister Balasuriya, addressing the gathering of senior officials and staff of the Ministry, following the assumption of duties, highlighted the importance of regional cooperation within Sri Lanka’s foreign policy and the necessity of exploring potential to attract investment to the country through regional cooperation. He reiterated that Sri Lanka will maintain close relations with neighbouring countries, especially within the Asian region with whom Sri Lanka has been maintaining close and friendly ties.

Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunawardena assumes duties

Monday, 17 August 2020

Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunawardena assumed duties at the Foreign Ministry on Monday 17 August 2020.

Minister Gunawardena was received by Foreign Secretary Admiral Prof. Jayanath Colombage and other senior officials upon his arrival at the Ministry. Following multi-religious observances, the Minister officially assumed duties.

Later, addressing the staff, the Foreign Minister remarked that the Government is ready to rise up to the new challenges with the mandate given by the people of Sri Lanka. The Minister stressed that with a strong government in office and its non-aligned and friendly foreign policy, it is envisioned to bring about a number of key changes beneficial to the country. He also called upon the Sri Lankans overseas to join hands with the government in this endeavour.

Outlining the Government’s efforts to address issues arising in the post-Covid-19 era, the Minister highlighted that Sri Lanka is geared to achieve its economic goals within the upcoming years. In this context, the Minister stated that the Department of Commerce has also been brought under the purview of the Foreign Ministry with a view to enhancing the exports, investments and entrepreneurship of Sri Lankans.

 

 

New Foreign Secretary Admiral Prof. Jayanath Colombage assumes duties

Friday, 14 August 2020

Admiral Prof. Jayanath Colombage (PhD) assumed duties as the Secretary to the Foreign Ministry today (14 August) following the appointment to the position by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa.

The new Foreign Secretary Admiral Colombage was warmly received by the senior officials of the Foreign Ministry this morning, upon arrival at the Ministry.

Admiral Colombage was previously Additional Secretary to H.E the President for Foreign Relations since December 2019. In addition, he is presently serving as the Director General of the Institute of National Security Studies Sri Lanka.

Admiral Colombage has served the Sri Lanka Navy for a period of 36 years and retired as the Commander of the Navy on 01 July 2014. He is the 18th Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy and was decorated for gallantry and commended for exceptional service to the Navy.