76th INDEPENDENCE DAY OF SRI LANKA CELEBRATED AT THE HIGH COMMISSITION OF SRI LANKA IN DHAKA, BANGLADESH

The High Commission of Sri Lanka in Dhaka commemorated the 76 th Anniversary of Independence on Sunday, 4 February 2024 with the participation of the Sri Lankan community in Bangladesh. The Ceremony held at the High Commission premises, commenced with the hoisting of the national flag of Sri Lanka followed by the national anthem and the lighting of the traditional oil lamp. Religious dignitaries representing Buddhist, Hindu, Islam and Christian faiths invoked blessings on the special occasion. Keeping in line with the tradition, the Independence Day messages of President Ranil Wickremesinghe, Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena and Foreign Minister M.U.M Ali Sabry were read at the occasion. The students of the Sri Lanka School in Bangladesh performed a special cultural dance item at the event. Addressing the gathering, High Commissioner Dharmapala Weerakkody said the close and friendly bilateral relations spanning over 50 years between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh have further strengthened through shared interests in the fields of trade, tourism, cultural exchanges, and people-to-people contacts. The High Commissioner highlighted the considerable potential for both countries to increase cooperation in the economic sector through renewed business initiatives. He invited the Sri Lankan community residing in Bangladesh to extend their fullest cooperation towards the ongoing process of nation-building. Following the official function, the gathering of community members was invited to a special breakfast of traditional milk rice and Sri Lankan delicacies.


High Commission of Sri Lanka
Dhaka
04 February 2024

75th INDEPENDENCE DAY OF SRI LANKA CELEBRATED AT THE HIGH COMMISSITION OF SRI LANKA IN DHAKA, BANGLADESH



The High Commission of Sri Lanka in Dhaka celebrated the 75 th Anniversary of Independence on Saturday, 4 February 2023 with the participation of the Sri Lankan community in Bangladesh.The Ceremony at the High Commission commenced with the hoisting of the national flag of Sri Lanka followed by the national anthem and the lighting of the traditional oil lamp. Religious dignitaries representing Buddhist, Hindu, Islam and Christian faiths invoked blessings on the special occasion. Keeping in line with the tradition, the Independence Day Messages of President Ranil Wickremesinghe, Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena and Foreign Minister Ali Sabry were read at the occasion. Cultural dance items and songs were also performed at the event by the students of the Sri Lanka School in Bangladesh. Addressing the gathering, High Commissioner Professor Sudharshan Seneviratne highlighted the importance of the unified efforts of all Sri Lankans to overcome the present economic challenges that the country is facing. While thanking the Sri Lankan community in Bangladesh for their contribution towards Sri Lanka’s economic advancement over the years, the High Commissioner invited the Sri Lankan community in Bangladesh to come forward and continue their contribution to Sri Lanka at this crucial moment. Following the official function, the participants were invited to a special breakfast of traditional milk rice and Sri Lankan delicacies.

High Commission of Sri Lanka Dhaka

4 February 2023


74th INDEPENDENCE DAY OF SRI LANKA CELEBRATED AT THE HIGH COMMISSITION OF SRI LANKA IN DHAKA, BANGLADESH



The 74th Independence Day of Sri Lanka was commemorated on Friday, 4 February 2022 at the Sri Lanka High Commission premises in Dhaka, Bangladesh with the participation of the High Commissioner and Mission staff. The Independence Day ceremony commenced with the hoisting of the National Flag by High Commissioner Professor Sudharshan Seneviratne and the rendering of the National Anthem. Due to the present Covid-19 health precautions, the religious observances were conducted through video recordings by Buddhist, Hindu, Muslim and Christian religious dignitaries in Bangladesh. This was followed by the reading of Independence Day messages of Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa and Foreign Minister Prof.G.L.Peiris. The Independence Day message of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa was viewed through the live online transmission of the official ceremony held in Colombo. In addressing the gathering, the High Commissioner highlighted that Sri Lanka has gifted to the world some of the most spectacular remains of art, architecture, technological and environmental innovations including an island of inclusivity and diversity. He thanked the Sri Lankan community in Bangladesh for their contribution towards Sri Lanka’s economic advancement and requested them to continue to support their motherland. Following the official function, the High Commissioner and Mission staff participated at a simple breakfast of traditional milk rice and Sri Lankan sweets.

High Commission of Sri Lanka Dhaka

4 February 2022


71st INDEPENDENCE DAY OF SRI LANKA CELEBRATED AT THE HIGH COMMISSITION OF SRI LANKA IN DHAKA, BANGLADESH

The High Commission of Sri Lanka in Dhaka, Bangladesh celebrated the 71st Anniversary of the National Day of Sri Lanka concurrently with the main ceremonial celebrations held in Colombo, Sri Lanka on 04th February 2019. The event was held under the auspices of the High Commissioner in two sessions in the morning and evening.


The morning event commenced with the High Commissioner hoisting the national flag at the premises of the High Commission. Thereafter, the national anthem was sung in both Sinhala and Tamil languages to pay tribute to the motherland. A large gathering of Sri Lankans domiciled in Bangladesh and well-wishers were present at the event. Subsequently, the traditional oil lamp was lit by the High Commissioner and the distinguished invitees representing all communities in Sri Lanka. A two minute silence was observed in memory of the Heroes who sacrificed their lives to gain independence and thereafter preserve the territorial integrity and sovereignty of mother Lanka. Religious observances on this occasion were conducted by Buddhist, Hindu, Islam and Catholic religious dignitaries to usher blessings of peace and prosperity to the Nation where Most Reverend Dimbulkumbure Wimaladhamma, Anunayake Thero of Malwaththa Chapter delivered the Buddhist sermon followed by other Religious Dignitaries.


National Day Message of H.E. the President was read out by High Commissioner followed by messages of Hon. Prime Minister and the Hon. Minister of Foreign Affairs which were read out by Second Secretary (DCM) and Consular Officer respectively. The High Commissioner in his address at the event, highlighted the importance of the Independence Day and expressed his gratitude to Sri Lankan expatriate community in Bangladesh for their exemplary services that have continued to contribute towards the economic and social development of Sri Lanka while strengthening the bilateral relations between the two countries. Refreshments were served to the gathering at the conclusion of the morning ceremony.








Honorable State Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Bangladesh Government Mr. Md. Shahriar Alam attended as the Chief Guest at the evening event which was held under the patronage of the High Commissioner and graced by over 200 dignitaries including High Commissioners, Ambassadors, Permanent Representatives and Senior Diplomats, Senior State Officials, Members of the Business Community of both Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. Sri Lankan professionals, members of the press and civil society were also present. The event started with lighting of the oil lamp and singing of national anthems of both countries, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. The Chief Guest conveyed wishes and felicitations of the Bangladesh Government to the Sri Lankan Government and all Sri Lankans whilst the High Commissioner in his speech, briefly highlighted the achievements of Sri Lanka during the post-independence period to date and the excellent bilateral relationship which prevails between the Two countries.


The event was concluded with a cultural show presented by Sri Lankan children highlighting the pluralistic nature of Sri Lankan society.














High Commission of Sri Lanka
Dhaka
13th February 2019

Sinhala and Tamil New Year Festival in Bangladesh

Sri Lanka Association of Bangladesh (SLAB) in collaboration with the High Commission of Sri Lanka in Bangladesh organized the Sinhala & Tamil New Year Celebrations on 24th April 2015 in Dhaka. The celebration was held at International School of Dhaka (ISD) premises with the active participation of the Sri Lankan community in Dhaka.

Sri Lankans of all ages took part in the traditional sports and games held at the event and celebrated the beginning of the New Year in a grand celebration.

Mr. A.G. Abeysekara, Acting High Commissioner was the Chief Guest of the New Year Celebrations 2015.

Sri Lanka High Commission
Dhaka
28th April 2015
 

A Sri Lankan donates 28 Buddha Statues to Shakiyamuni Temple, Bangladesh.

A Ceremony to hand over “Atavisi Buddha Statues” to Shakiyamuni Temple in Mirpur Dhaka, Bangladesh was held under the patronage of the High Commission of Sri Lanka in Bangladesh on 24th April 2015. Mr. Sarath Seneviratne, Pilessa, of Kurunegala had donated 28 statues from Sri Lanka to the temple on the request of Chief Incumbent Ven. Prajananda Mahathero of Shakiyamuni Temple in Mirpur.

The Buddha Statues were handed over to the Chief Incumbent Thero of Shakiyamuni Temple in Dhaka by Mr. A.G. Abeysekara, Actg. High Commissioner of Sri Lanka in Bangladesh.

Sri Lanka High Commission
Dhaka
28th April 2015
 

Sri Lanka donates Buddha Statues to Reconstructed Temples in Bangladesh.

A Ceremony to distribute 30“Samadhi Buddha Statues” to reconstructed and renovated Temples in Ramu, Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh was held at the Sima Vihar Ramu, Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh on 08th April 2015. The Buddha Statues were handed over to Most Ven. Shatiyapriya Mahanayake Thero of the Sima Vihar Ramu, Cox’s Bazar by A.G. Abeysekara, Actg. High Commissioner of Sri Lanka in Bangladesh.

The Statues were imported from Sri Lanka, by utilization of a SLRS 1.7 Million donation made by the Most Venerable Maha Nayake Theros of Malwatta and Asgiriya Maha Nayake Viharas in Kandy, the Governor of the Central Province andwell-wishers from Sri Lanka for the reconstruction and rehabilitation of the temples in the Ramu and Chittagong areas.

The 30 Fiber Glass Buddha Statues had been built by the Ven. B. Sanghamitra, a Bangladeshi Bikkhu living in Mt. Lavinia, Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka High Commission
Dhaka

15th April 2015

Media Release

67th Independence Day Celebrations at the High Commission of Sri Lanka, Dhaka, Bangladesh

High Commission of Sri Lanka in Bangladesh celebrated the 67th Independence Day on 4th February 2015 with the participation of a large number of Sri Lankans and diplomatic community, prominent political and business leaders in Bangladesh in two separate events at the “Sri Lanka Residence” premises.



Lighting of traditional oil lamp by Actg. High Commissioner and other members of the Sri Lankan community during the morning function

At the official ceremony, Mr. A.G. Abeysekera, Sri Lanka’s Actg. High Commissioner in Bangladesh hoisted the National flag amidst sounds of traditional drums Magul Bera and Jayamangalagatha sung by children from Sri Lanka Dhamma School. Religiuos observances by Buddhist, Hindu, Christian and Islamic priests were conducted invoking blessings on Sri Lanka and its people and a two minute silence in honor of all those who sacrificed their lives for motherland was observed. The Independence Day messages of His Excellency Maithripala Sirisena, the President of Sri Lanka were also read in all three languages.



Sri Lankan community gathering at the morning function

Addressing the large Sri Lankan community present on the occasion, the Actg. High Commissioner highlighted the importance of strengthening national unity amongst all communities under the new administration in Sri Lanka. He also thanked and invited the Sri Lankan expat community in Bangladesh to contribute towards the economic development in Sri Lanka. At the conclusion of the ceremony, nearly 300 Sri Lankans who were present at the event were able to enjoy a traditional breakfast spread which included kiribath and sweetmeats.


Actg. High Commissioner, Mr. Abeysekera addressing the gathering at the evening Diplomatic Reception

The Mission organized a reception for the Diplomatic, business community of Bangladesh during the evening of 4th February and Hon. Mr. Md. Shahriar Alam, M.P., State Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh graced the occasion as Chief Guest. Over 200 diplomats, senior government officials, Armed Forces of Bangladesh, business leaders, media personnel attended the event which featured traditional Sri Lankan daces and a spread of traditional Sri Lankan food and delicacies.


Cutting of Independence Day Cake by the Actg. High Commissioner, Chief Guest Hon. State Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh and members of the diplomatic corps

Actg. High Commissioner Abeysekera addressing the gathering recognized the excellent relations between the Bangladesh and Sri Lanka whilst appreciating the people of Bangladesh for their steadfast support for Sri Lanka in international platforms and urged further enhancement of existing bilateral ties.

The Chief Guest Hon. State Minister for Foreign Affairs, in his remarks, recalled the cordial relationship between two countries that has existed over the years and expressed hope that under the new leadership in Sri Lanka, Bangladesh will be able to further strengthen the on-going dialogue between the two countries to enhance cooperation in various areas, particularly in the fields of health, shipping & connectivity and trade and economic activities.

Two special news paper supplements were published in the “Independent” and the “Financial Express” English Daily newspapers in Bangladesh to mark the occasion by the High Commission.

High Commission of Sri Lanka
Dhaka

8th February 2015
 

Trade delegation from Sri Lanka for the International Chamber of Commerce Conference on Global Economic recovery in Bangladesh, 24-28th October 2014

Export Development Board of Sri Lanka led a Trade delegation from Sri Lanka to participate at the International Chamber of Commerce Conference on Global Economic Recovery which was held in Dhaka during 25-26th October 2014.

During the sidelines of the Conference, nine Sri Lankan companies included in the delegation participated in two Business Match-Making sessions with the members of the Federation of Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) and the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) at two events on 27th October 2014. The participating companies represented printed packaging products, garment and textile accessories, IT and education, food processing and electric cable sectors. The delegation also met with the senior officials of the Board of Investment of Bangladesh and Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association.

During their interactions with Bangladesh entrepreneurs, the Sri Lankan business personnel expressed their keen interest to invest in the potential sectors of Bangladesh. Both sides agreed that despite sharing similar basket of export goods, there is a need to complement each other’s products than to compete for the same products.

In addition to the Chamber interactions, the Export Development Board had organized separate Meeting sessions for the 12-member delegation with individual companies in collaboration with the High Commission of Sri Lanka in Bangladesh. Sri Lanka High Commission in Bangladesh had also organized an interaction for the visiting delegation with the Sri Lankan entrepreneurs already established in Bangladesh on the evening of 26th October.


Interaction with the Federation of Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Mr. Qazi Uddin, President of FBCCI and Actg. High Commissioner of Sri Lanka, Mr.A.G Abeysekera and Ms.Chandani Rathnayake of Sri Lanka Export Development Board present at the event.


Meeting with the senior officials of Board of Investment of Bangladesh and the visiting Delegation

 

Inauguration of BIMSTEC Secretariat in Dhaka

The Secretariat of Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectorial Technical and Economic Cooperation [BIMSTEC] was ceremonially inaugurated in Dhaka on 13 September 2014 by Her Excellency Sheikh Hasina, Hon. Prime Minister of Bangladesh with presence of Cabinet Ministers, Members of parliament, Ambassadors and High Commissioners of BIMSTEC member countries, the Secretary General of BIMSTECforeign diplomats, Chiefs of other international Organizations and Government officials.

BIMSTEC was established on 06 June 1997 in Bangkok with four participating members and six areas of cooperation; presently it has seven member states- Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal,Sri Lanka and Thailand. BIMSTEC is the first inter-governmental organization to have its headquarters in Bangladesh which attaches very high importance to regional cooperation.H.E. Mr. SumithNakandala, a Sri Lankan Diplomat was appointed as the first Secretary General of BIMSTEC. Opening of the Secretariat in Dhaka was the culmination of regional collective resolve of to create a better and more prosperous future and it was a historic day for Bangladesh and for BIMSTEC members states which makes the beginning of a new journey towards greater and more intense cooperation for this unique regional organization that bridge South Asia and Southeast Asia.

H.E. Sheikh Hasina, Hon. Prime Minister of Bangladesh unveiled the plaque of the BIMSTEC Secretariat at Road No. 51 in the capital’s Gulshan area. In Hon. Prime Minister’s speech she said that the BIMSTEC provides a formidable platform for developing deeper understanding and cooperation between neighbors and work for progress and prosperity of the people of the region. Sharing her thoughts on the objectives of the BIMSTEC, Hon. Prime Minister said that poverty alleviation should remain an overarching goal for BIMSTEC. Further she put forward a six point proposal, which includes poverty alleviation, cooperation in agriculture sector, making effective the framework Agreement on BIMSTEC Free Trade Area, Improvement of the regional connectivity, Cooperation in energy sector and united effort to face the challenges of climate change. Minister of Foreign Affairs, State Minister of Foreign Affairs, Minister of Finance, and the Secretary General also addressed the gathering.

Hon. Prime Minister unveiled a commemorative stamp to mark the occasion before signing the visitor’s book. H.E. Sheikh Hasina exchanged greetings with the Heads of Mission of BIMSTEC member states based in Dhaka. Representing Sri Lanka, the occasion of inauguration was attended by Actg. High Commissioner of Sri Lanka and the First Secretary of the Mission.
 

Asian Tourism Fair 2014 - Bangladesh from 11– 13 Sept. 2014

The 3rd Asian Tourism Fair (ATF-Dhaka) was held from 11 to 13 September, 2014 at Bangabandhu International Conference Center (BICC), Dhaka. The Fair was organized by the Parjatan Bichitra in collaboration with Bangladesh Tourism Board (BTB) and Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation (BPC) with the support of Industry Skills Council for Tourism and Hospitality sector.

Hon.Mr. Rashed Khan Menon, Minister of Civil Aviation and Tourism of the Government of Bangladesh inaugurated the ATF 2014 in presence of senior officials of the Bangladesh Government and High Commissioners of Sri Lanka and Malaysia and Ambassadors of Philippines and Nepal.

The High Commission of Sri Lanka participated at the ATF 2014 representing Sri Lanka at the event. Hon. Minister of Civil Aviation and Tourism of Bangladesh also took part for the ceremonial opening of the Sri Lanka High Commission stall by lightening the traditional Oil Lamp along with Mr.A.G Abeysekera, Actg. High Commissioner of Sri Lanka in Bangladesh.

Apart from exhibitors from Bangladesh, over 100 tour operators, travel agents, airlines, hotels and other service providers from the private and public sectors of Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Vietnam, the Philippines, Japan, China, Bhutan and Nepal participated at the fair which attracted a large crowd.

Sri Lanka High Commission in Bangladesh
Dhaka

15 September 2014


Mr. A.G.Abeysekera, Actg. High Commissioner of Sri Lanka addressing the gathering at the Inauguration Ceremony of the Third Asian Tourism Fair on 11 September 2014


Hon.Mr.Rashed Khan Menon, Minister of Civil Aviation and Tourism of the Government of Bangladesh inaugurating the Sri Lanka High Commission booth at the fair. Mr.A.G.Abeysekera, Actg. High Commissioner of Sri Lanka is also present


Sri Lanka High Commission stall at the Third Asia Tourism Fair
 
Hon. Lalith Dissanayake, Deputy Minister of Health of Sri Lanka represents Sri Lanka at the 32nd Health Ministers’ Meeting and 67th session of the WHO’s Regional Committee for South East Asia Region (SEARO) in Dhaka, Bangladesh

Hon.Lalith Dissanayake, Deputy Minister of Health of Sri Lanka accompanied by a senior Official level delegation represented Sri Lanka at the 32nd Health Ministers’ Meeting and 67th session of the WHO’s Regional Committee for South East Asia Region (SEARO) in Dhaka, Bangladesh from 9-12 September 2014.

A group photograph of the SEARO Member Countries’ Ministers and delegates of the 32nd Health Ministers’ Meeting and 67th session of the WHO’s Regional Committee for South East Asia Region (SEARO) in Dhaka

The two Meetings were inaugurated by Bangladesh Prime Minister H.E Sheikh Hasina on 9 September 2014. The 32nd Health Ministers’ Meeting included Ministerial level participation of SEARO member states from Bangladesh, Bhutan, North Korea, India, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Timor-Leste and Senior Advisor level participation from Thailand and Indonesia.

The 67th session of the Regional Committee discussed some of the important issues related to the region such as "Covering every birth and death: improving civil registration and vital statistics", 'traditional medicine', 'strengthening emergency and essential surgical care and an aesthesia as a component of universal health coverage', 'viral hepatitis' and 'regional strategy on strengthening health workforce education and training' . Dhaka declaration on vector-borne diseases which spells out steps to control and eliminate vector-borne diseases in the region was adopted as the outcome of the meetings. Special emphasis was given on the need to fight vector-borne diseases like malaria, kala-azar, dengue, and lymphatic filariasis.


A group photograph of the SEARO Member Countries’ Ministers with the Chief Guest H.E Sheikh Hasina, Prime Minister of Bangladesh at the inaugural ceremony on September 09, 2014.

A sideline session on Ebola virus also featured in the four day long meetings. In a special session on Autism, Ms. Saima Wazed Hossain, Chairperson of the National Advisory Committee on Autism in Bangladesh and the daughter of Prime Minister H.E Sheikh Hasina launched a global initiative to address the challenges of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) in the South-East Asia Region. During the meeting, Ms.Hossain who is an Expert of WHO on mental Health was honoured with the "Excellence Award" of the WHO in recognition to her efforts in the field of autism. Dr Margaret Chan, WHO Director-General, and Dr Poonam Khetrapal Singh, Regional Director for South-East Asia, were also present with WHO experts at both the meetings.

During his stay in Dhaka, Hon. Deputy Minister of Health called on Hon. Dr. Harsha Vardhan, Minister of Health of the Government of India and discussed on a range of issues connected with health in Sri Lanka and India and of the strengthening of collaboration between the two countries in Heath sector development to counter common challenges.


Courtesy Call by Hon. Lalith Dissanayake, Deputy Minister of Health of Sri Lanka on Hon. Dr. Harsha Vardhan, Minister of Health of the Government of India. Mr.A.G Abeysekera, Actg. High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to Bangladesh is also present.

Hon. Deputy Minister also met with Managing Director of the Essential Drug Company Ltd, counterpart of State Pharmaceutical Corporation of Sri Lanka to discuss matters related to the implementation of the MOU on Procurement of Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka which was signed on 23rd June 2014 in Dhaka.

Sri Lanka delegation to the WHO SEARO Meetings included Mr.A.G Abyesekera, Actg.High Commissioner of Sri Lanka in Bangladesh, Dr.H.R.U. Indrasiri, Advisor to Hon. Minister of Health, Dr. A.J Lakkumar Fernando, District General Hospital Negombo, Dr. (Mrs) Susei Perera, Director, Ministry of Health and Mrs.Sesath Thambugala, First Secretary, Sri Lanka High Commission in Dhaka.

High Commission of Sri Lanka,
Bangladesh

13 September 2014
 

Official Visit of Hon. Bandula Gunawardhana, Minister of Education of Sri Lanka to Bangladesh, 7-9 September 2014

On the invitation of the Government of Bangladesh Hon. Bandula Gunawardhana, Minister of Education of Sri Lanka paid an Official Visit to Bangladesh during 7-9 September 2014 to attend the International Conference on Girls’ and Women’s Literacy and Education: “Foundations for sustainable development. The conference was co-organized by the Government of Bangladesh and the UNESCO in support of the UN Secretary General's Global Education First Initiative (GEFI) on the occasion of International Literacy Day 2014. Representatives from some 36 countries across the world took part in the conference. During the Conference, Prime Minister of Bangladesh handed over UNESCO Literacy Award 2014 to seven representatives of six countries from Algeria, Burkina Faso, Spain, Ecuador, South Africa and United States of America for their achievements in promoting mass literacy.



During his stay in Bangladesh, Hon.Bandula Gunawardhana called on Hon. Nurul Islam Nahid, Minister of Education of Bangladesh on 7th September 2014. Recognizing that education is catalyst for social transformation, two Ministers discussed a range of matters of mutual interest in the field of education and reiterated their commitment to work together to promote quality and equitable opportunities for education for their citizens.

Hon. Minister Gunawardhana briefed his counterpart on initiatives such as Mahindodaya Technical laboratories which are being built under the 1000 secondary schools development project in Sri Lanka. He further invited Bangladesh to take advantage of the South Asian Centre for Teacher Development in Meepe, Sri Lanka, a Category 2 Centre under the auspices of UNESCO. It was explained that the Centre will play a pivotal role as a knowledge and training centre for teachers to improve the quality of teaching in the South Asian region through high quality teacher development and holistic education.



Recalling his past visit to Sri Lanka, Hon.Nurul Islam Nahid, Minister of Education of Bangladesh commended Sri Lanka on the significant strides made in the field of education. Explaining challenges faced by Bangladesh in developing its education sector, Hon. Minister requested all neighbouring countries including Sri Lanka to support Bangladesh in its efforts to establish the International Mother Language Institute in Dhaka as a UNESCO Category 2 Centre, serving the region and beyond.

Dr. Mohammdad Sadiq, Bangladesh Education Ministry Secretary, Mr.A.G Abeysekera, Actg.High Commissioner of Sri Lanka in Bangladesh among others, was present at the meeting.

Hon. Minister of Sri Lanka also met with UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova and his counterparts from Bhutan, Ecuador, Burkina Faso and Deputy Minister of Education of Afghanistan during his short stay.

Sri Lanka High Commission in Dhaka
10 September 2014
 
STATEMENT ON THE APPOINTMENT OF THE SRI LANKA - PANEL OF EXPERTS BY THE SECRETARY GENERAL OF THE UNITED NATIONS


The Government of Sri Lanka strongly opposes the appointment, by the Secretary General of the United Nations, of the Sri Lanka - Panel of Experts announced by his Spokesperson in New York on Tuesday, 22nd June 2010. Sri Lanka was ravaged by the scourge of terrorism for over 30 years. The people of Sri Lanka have, during this period, suffered violence and terror of unimaginable proportions, unleashed on them by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam, the most ruthless terrorist organization in the world. After a long and difficult struggle the Government of Sri Lanka has successfully rid the country of terror, and is in the process of rebuilding the lives of her people. As an important part of this process His Excellency the President of Sri Lanka has appointed a Commission on "Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation" under the Commissions of Inquiry Act, a statutory regime available under Sri Lankan law. The Government is confident that the Commission would make a most significant contribution to the further strengthening of national amity, through a process of restorative justice.

Sri Lanka is a sovereign state with a robustly independent judiciary and a tried and tested system for the administration of justice. The Government of Sri Lanka has consistently promoted and protected human rights. Indeed, this has been explicitly acknowledged by legitimate organs of the United Nations system. The Human Rights Council of the United Nations has formally adopted, after the cessation of the conflict situation, a resolution commending, inter alia, the commitment of Sri Lanka to the promotion and protection of human rights.

Sri Lanka regards the appointment of the Sri Lanka - Panel of Experts as an unwarranted and unnecessary interference with a sovereign nation. This interference, moreover, has potential for exploitation by vested interests hostile to the process of reconciliation taking place in Sri Lanka.

The Government of Sri Lanka notes that the joint statement of the President of Sri Lanka and the Secretary - General issued at the conclusion of the Secretary - General's visit to the country on 23rd May 2009 makes no reference to "allegations of violations of international humanitarian law committed during military operations between the Government of Sri Lanka and the Liberation of Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE)".

Ministry of External Affairs
Colombo

23rd June 2010