The Conference on Disarmament (CD) presided over by Sri Lanka's Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva, Ambassador Ravinatha Aryasinha, on Friday (16 February 2018), adopted a Decision to establish five subsidiary bodies to discuss all items in its agenda, with a view to advance the substantive work of the Conference. The Decision described as a "well-brokered balance between flexibility and safeguards and offered a framework for a more focused and continued debate on core issues", seeks to bring the CD back to its original mandate of negotiating disarmament instruments. Since its negotiation of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) in 1996, the CD is yet to negotiate any new treaty.
In a statement released the same evening in New York, the Spokesman for the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, said "the Secretary-General welcomes the decision adopted today by the Conference on Disarmament to take forward its substantive work. The Secretary-General commends the Members of the Conference for achieving this positive step, which he hopes will lead to resumption of negotiations on effective measures for disarmament and arms control. The current international security situation underscores the vital need to restore disarmament as an integral component of our collective efforts to prevent armed conflict and to maintain international peace and security". It added that "the Secretary-General urges Member States to make use of this opening, redouble their efforts and forge a new consensus for disarmament".
Sri Lanka's Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva Ambassador Ravinatha Aryasinha has said, over the 70 years since Independence Sri Lanka has never shied away from taking its fair share of responsibility in the UN system, which has helped Sri Lanka build an image as a moderate, and progressive partner, able to bridge differences and build consensus. He said, in Geneva, Sri Lanka continues to give leadership on a wide range of issues such as disarmament, migration, human rights, health, intellectual property, science and technology and international trade policy.
Ambassador Aryasinha made these observations when he addressed representatives of the diplomatic community, UN and other international organizations based in Geneva and friends of Sri Lanka, at a ceremony held to celebrate Sri Lanka's 70th Anniversary of Independence, at the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) on Tuesday, 6th February, 2018. Sri Lanka's Permanent Representative to the World Trade Organization (WTO) Ambassador R.D.S. Kumararatne, Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN Mrs. Samantha Jayasuriya and Mission staff were associated with the Ambassador at the event.
The Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka to the United Nations in Geneva celebrated the 70th Anniversary of Sri Lanka’s Independence in a grand manner, on 4th February 2018 at the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) with the participation of over 250 members of the Sri Lankan community in Switzerland.
The ceremonial event for the community to mark the 70th Independence Day commenced with the hoisting of the National Flag followed by the singing of the National Anthem in Sinhala. Two minutes silence was observed in hounouring all patriots, who sacrificed their lives to preserve and protect the freedom, unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Sri Lanka.
Following the lighting of the traditional oil lamp, multi-religious observances were conducted. Ven. Thawalama Dhammika Thero, Ven. Halyale Wimalarathana Thero and Ven. Halwitigala Sujatha Thero invoked blessings according to the Buddhist religious tradition. Rev. Uma Shankar Kurukkal conducted the Hindu religious observances. Mr. A.M. Zawahir conducted the Islamic religious observances. Rev. Sister Philo Jesudasan, Rev. Sister Clarista Benedict and Mrs. Sandra Bandaranaike conducted the Christian religious observances.
If one is to truly fathom the value of independence, it is essential to understand the pain being oppressed and subservient in the face of a foreign power. This is why we are grateful to all our heroes who sacrificed their lives in order to restore and sustain our nation’s independence. On a day like today, when the value of freedom is commemorated, the nation pays tribute to its true patriots whose contribution to our motherland is invaluable.
As Sri Lanka celebrates seven decades of independence, it is appropriate to reflect on how far we have come as a nation. In terms of achieving human development, and various social, economic, and political challenges we were faced with, the progress we have achieved over this period is laudable.
I believe that as a nation with a unique identity, we have what it takes to overcome any challenge. We have proven it throughout our history. Today, we must show once again that Sri Lanka is a nation that can rise within a short span of time. We have to undertake many a mission, including achieving inclusive green growth, national reconciliation, and uplifting the quality and competitiveness of our human capital in a global scale.
We must also remember that true freedom does not comprise only of political freedom. Our independence is not complete until economic and cultural freedom is achieved. In our journey towards economic freedom, this year is a crucial one.
As a country, our future successes lie in our commitment to achieve long term goals with firm determination, as we have done in the past. Completion of the Moragahakanda reservoir as the last massive step in the Mahaweli development programme is a testimony to our perseverance and commitment to meet such long term goals. This year has been declared the “National Food Production Year”, with hopes to reach the goal of food security, a dream that our nation has had since independence.
On this occasion that we celebrate seven decades of Independence, I pledge to fulfil all my duties towards mother Lanka, and I emphasize that our true strength is in our unity and determination.
Maithripala Sirisena
February 4, 2018
This year, we celebrate 70 years of independence from colonial rule. It is an occasion for us to remember that we were only able to achieve independence with the participation of all communities coming together towards a common goal.
It is our responsibility to keep in mind that true independence is only possible when we can unite as one nation, rising above political, religious and ethnic differences. Only then is independence truly significant and meaningful to all.
Freedom is fulfilled when human dignity and spiritual liberty is attained - in addition to social, political and economic freedom.
Since being elected to power, our Government has consistently focused on creating the right social and political climate needed to build a society that is indeed free and stable.
Under a theme of One Nation, the 70th Independence Day celebrations that are held today, reflect our legacy as a free nation. My hope is to see all Sri Lanka unite as one to sustain freedom for all.
Let's strive to be a people truly committed to our nation's progress on this Independence Day.
Ranil Wickremesinghe
Prime Minister
Today, as Sri Lanka celebrates her 70th Anniversary of Independence, I wish to convey my warm greetings to all Sri Lankans residing in the country as well as in various parts of the world. On this solemn occasion, I would like to pay homage not only to those who fought hard to gain independence, but also to the thousands who subsequently sacrificed their lives to safeguard this independence.
Each anniversary of Independence is an important milestone in our journey for us to reflect on our achievements during the past and evaluate the challenges lying ahead. Sri Lanka, as a nation, can be proud of its performance in the past and its commitment to democratic traditions including the Rule of Law, achievements made in important areas such as education and health as well as the talented human capital of the country, which is its most valuable asset. However, unfortunately, our progress had been hindered and marred by conflict.
With that traumatic past behind us, all Sri Lankans should now work together, shedding their differences, to create a better future for the generations to come and to compensate for the lost opportunities due to various reasons. We must endeavor to create a new Sri Lanka, where reconciliation and sustainable peace would reign along with economic prosperity. This is the firm resolve that we, as Sri Lankans, must make when we celebrate the 70th Anniversary of our Independence. In this context, the Government is committed to redouble its efforts to meaningfully develop the country with a view to increasing productivity and connectivity, and creating a firm foundation for all Sri Lankans to emerge as a strong nation in the region and the world.
Tilak Marapana, PC, MP
Minister of Foreign Affairs
4th February 2018
PDF Document
Sinhala Text (PDF)
Tamil Text (PDF)
Sri Lanka has called on member states of the Conference on Disarmament (CD) to seek to bring back the necessary attention at the highest political levels to the CD, in order to maintain the integrity and credibility of the Conference, as well as to create forward movement and momentum.
Sri Lanka's Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva Ambassador Ravinatha Aryasinha made this call today (23rd January) on the occasion of Sri Lanka assuming the responsibility of the CD as its first President of the 2018 session. Sri Lanka assumes the Presidency of the CD after 11 years.
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the Director General (DG) of the World Health Organization (WHO) announced today in Geneva during the 142nd Session of the Executive Board of the WHO that the World Health Day 2018 will be celebrated in Sri Lanka. This year’s theme will be the Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
The DG congratulating Sri Lanka which celebrates the 70th Anniversary of its Independence next month, said "there is no more fitting place for this event, as you know, Sri Lanka has a long history of providing free healthcare for its people.”
Consideration of the 5th and 6th Periodic Reports of Sri Lanka under the Committee on the Rights of the Child (CRC) took place at the 77th Session of the Committee on the Rights of the Child (CRC) held at the Palais Wilson in Geneva, on 15th January 2018. Mrs. Chandrani Senaratne, Secretary of Women and Child Affairs of Sri Lanka led the Sri Lanka delegation.
The Sri Lanka delegation to the review included Ambassador H.E. Ravinatha Aryasinha, Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka to the United Nations in Geneva, Mr. A. Pathinathan, Chief Secretary, Northern Province, Mrs. T.T. Upulmalee, Acting Additional Secretary, Presidential Secretariat, Mrs. Chandima Sigera, Commissioner Department of Probation and Child Care, Ms. Ayesha Jinasena, Senior Deputy Solicitor General, Attorney General’s Department, Mrs. Samantha Jayasuriya, Deputy Permanent Representative, Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka in Geneva, Mrs. Marini de Livera, Chairperson, National Child Protection Authority, Major General R.M.J.A. Rathnayake, Commissioner General of Rehabilitation, Ms. Badra Withanage, Director of Education, Ministry of Education, Dr. Priyani Senadheera, Director of Maternal and Child Health, Ministry of Health, Nutrition and Indigenous Medicine, Ms. Lanka Amarasinghe, Director , Women and Children Bureau, Sri Lanka Police, Ms. Shashika Somaratne, Minister Counsellor, Ms. Mafusa Lafir, First Secretary and Ms. Dulmini Dahanayake, Second Secretary, Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka in Geneva and Ms. Rajmi Manatunga, Assistant Director, Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Full Opening Statement - PDF
Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka
15 January 2018
Geneva
Minister of Development Strategies and International Trade Malik Samarawickrama during a two day visit to Geneva recently met with Mr. Børge Brende, President of the World Economic Forum (WEF) and senior officials engaged in areas relating to Sri Lanka.
The visit of the Minister took place as a continuation of Sri Lanka’s engagement with the Forum facilitated by the Sri Lanka’s Permanent Mission in Geneva, on the eve of the 2018 Davos Summit, which will take place from 23-27 January 2018, where the WEF Annual Programme takes shape. Sri Lanka’s Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva Ambassador Ravinatha Aryasinha, Sri Lanka’s Permanent Representative to the WTO Ambassador R. D. S. Kumararatne, Board Member-Board of Investment -Mr. Mangala Yapa, and officials of the Mission were associated in these meetings.
The Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka to the UN and Other International Organizations in Geneva and the Sri Lankan Association of Geneva are jointly organizing a Blood Donation Campaign on 3rd & 17th February 2018 at Geneva University Hospital (HUG) from 0800 to 1200 in commemoration of the 70th Anniversary of Sri Lanka’s Independence.
The co-organizers kindly invite you to register before 15th January 2018 via email : This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
For further information please contact ,
Mr. Roshantha : (+41) 077 988 28 55
Mr. Lalantha : (+41) 079 935 78 21
More details in English
More details in Sinhala
More details in Tamil
Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka
Geneva
9 January 2018
The 16th Meeting of States Parties to the Anti – Personnel Mines Ban Convention welcomed Sri Lanka on Monday 18th December 2017 as the newly joined 163rd State Party to the Convention, following the depositing of the Instrument of Accession on 13th December 2017 in New York.
“We welcome Sri Lanka to this ever growing movement,” said H.E. Thomas Hajnoczi Ambassador of Austria and Head of the Department of Disarmament at the Austrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs who is Presiding over the 16th Meeting of States Parties (MSP) to the Convention held in Vienna from 18-21 December 2017. The meeting also coincides with the 20th Anniversary of the signing of the Convention.
Sri Lanka pledged an un-earmarked voluntary contribution of 15,000 US$ towards the UNHCR Global Appeal 2018-2019 at the UNHCR Pledging Conference held on 05th December 2017 in Geneva. The Global Appeal 2018-2019 by the UNHCR presents the requirement of financial resources that amounts to USD 7.508 billion for 2018 and USD 7.352 billion for 2019, to protect and improve the lives of millions of people, including refugees, asylum seekers, internally displaced people (IDPs), returnees, stateless people, and others of concern.
Addressing the UNHCR Pledging Conference, Ambassador Aryasinha appreciated the assistance extended by UNHCR to Sri Lanka in the resettlement process of IDPs and returnees in the provision of shelter, livelihoods and basic household items and assured Sri Lanka’s cooperation to Mr. High Commissioner for his endeavours.
Statement By Ambassador Ravinatha Aryasinha
Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka
Geneva
5 December 2017
The Government of Sri Lanka has announced the dates for the 18th Meeting of the Conference of Parties to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), to be attended by 183 State Parties, and held from 22nd May - 3rd June 2019 at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH) in Colombo.
Sri Lanka’s Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva, Ambassador Ravinatha Aryasinha who made the announcement addressing the 69th Standing Committee of CITES meeting, said as a country with rich biological diversity, Sri Lanka is fully committed to the implementation of the CITES provisions to ensure sustainable trade that takes into account the conservation of wild fauna and flora essential for a healthy and prosperous economy. He further drew attention to the recent actions taken by Sri Lanka in fulfilling its commitment under the Convention, including the seizure of illegally traded blood ivory, which was publicly destroyed in 2016, as well as the initiatives taken to list thresher shark species under CITES Appendix II as a protected species. The offer to host the Conference was made as Sri Lanka is mindful of the challenges that remain to be overcome at national and international levels, the Ambassador added.
Director-General of the International Organization for Migration (IOM), Ambassador William Lacy Swing, addressing the 108th Session of the IOM Council in Geneva, on Wednesday (29 November 2017) commended the Government of Sri Lanka for its leadership in migration issues and observed “our bilateral cooperation has grown exponentially over the last few years, but particularly in this year”. Referring to Sri Lanka's role in regional consultative processes - as until recently Chair of the Colombo Process (CP) and presently as Chair of the Abu Dhabi Dialogue (ADD), he thanked Ambassador Ravinatha Aryasinha for his leadership in steering a number of activities that has strengthened the relationship between the Mission in Geneva and the IOM.
Noting IOM’s engagement and support for Sri Lanka in several important areas such as border management, preventing trafficking in persons, human rights,
re-integration of refugee returnees, peace building and reconciliation and disaster management, Ambassador Swing expressed hope that IOM and Sri Lanka will continue to build on these excellent relationships. He also congratulated Sri Lanka on launching a comprehensive National Economic Development Programme; the Vision 2025 - A Country Enriched, under the leadership of President Sirisena and Prime Minister Wickremesinghe. He further expressed IOM’s appreciation for Sri Lanka’s co-sponsorship and for its contribution towards hosting the ‘Second Global Consultation on Migrant Health’ in Colombo in February 2017, and in actively supporting the efforts at securing the global attention on migrant health.
Secretary-General of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) Mr. Petteri Taalas, has assured to collaborate with Sri Lanka in strengthening Meteorological Services for forecasting purposes, which would be more cost effective and could help avoid calamities caused by changes in weather patterns. He said the WMO was in a process of finding more resources to assist developing countries, and that greater opportunities will be provided to Sri Lanka for capacity building and technological upgrading.
The Secretary General made these comments when he met Sri Lanka's Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva Ambassador Ravinatha Aryasinha recently at the WMO headquarters in Geneva. Associated with the Ambassador were visiting senior officials of the Department of Meteorology of Sri Lanka - Mr. D. A. Jayasinghearachchi, Director, Mr. A. K. Karunanayake, Director and Ms. C. G. Premachandra, Meteorologist.
The Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) adopted the report on Sri Lanka today, 17 November 2017 in Geneva.
Sri Lanka received a total of 230 recommendations from Member States and accepted 177 recommendations while it noted 53 recommendations. Sri Lanka also made 12 voluntary pledges. The Head of the Sri Lanka delegation, Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva, MP, Deputy Minister of National Policies and Economic Affairs made his closing remarks during the adoption.
Remarks by the Deputy Minister of National Policies and Economic Affairs Dr. Harsha de Silva
Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka
Geneva
17 November 2017
Third Cycle of Sri Lanka’s Review at the 28th Session of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) Working Group is being held on Wednesday, 15 November 2017 in Geneva.
The Sri Lanka’s delegation to the review is led by the Deputy Minister of National Policies and Economic Affairs Dr. Harsha de Silva. The delegation comprised of officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Attorney-General’s Department, the President’s Office, and the Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka to the UN in Geneva.
Full Statement of the Opening Statement delivered by Dr. Harsha de Silva , (Word Format)
Concluding Remarks made by Hon. (Dr.) Harsha De Silva ,MP, Deputy Minister of National Policies and Economic Affairs.
Mr. Prasad Kariyawasam , Secretary Foreign Affairs made interventions on Torture, Office of the Missing Persons and Transitional Justice.
Mr. Nerin Pulle, Deputy Solicitor General at the Attorney General’s Department made interventions on Hate Speech & Minority Rights, Sexual & Gender based Violence, LGBTIQ and Persons with Disabilities (PwD).
Ms. Chandima Wickremesinghe, Senior Assistant Secretary to the President, made intervention on Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).
Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka
Geneva
15 November 2017
Secretary General of the United National Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) Dr. Mikhisa Kituyi has assured the Minister of Science, Technology and Research Susil Premajayantha that the UNCTAD stands ready to assist with Sri Lanka’s Science, Technology and Innovation Policy Review (STIP) and to explore modalities of technical assistance and a strategy for mobilizing the funding required.
This assurance was given by the UNCTAD SG, following consultations Minister Premajayantha had in Geneva last week with Senior Officials of the UNCTAD.
During his meetings, the Minister noted that consistent with the SDGs set by the UN, Sri Lanka was working with the relevant Ministries, Institutions, private sector and civil societies in order to achieve targets set by 2030. He emphasized the need to explore avenues to strengthen relations between UNCTAD and the Government of Sri Lanka to promote Science, Technology and Innovation for SDG achievement in Sri Lanka and to assess a policy review on Science, Technology and Innovation in Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka has pledged US $ 50,000 towards the fund to assist the Rohingaya refugees and the host community in Bangladesh.
This pledge was announced by the Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka to the UN Ravinatha Aryasinha, at the Pledging Conference for the Rohingaya Refugee Crisis held today (23.10.2017) at Palais des Nations in Geneva.
Sri Lanka commended the Government of Bangladesh for hosting the Rohingaya refugees including the recent influx, under challenging conditions. It was noted that the humanitarian exigencies of the Rohingaya refugees have to be the shared responsibility of the international community due to its sheer magnitude.
Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka
Geneva
23 October 2017
The Abu Dhabi Dialogue (ADD), being mindful of the challenges that labour migrants face, is working together through programmes and initiatives to improve their conditions, in a manner beneficial to both the sending and receiving countries.
Deputy Minister of Foreign Employment Manusha Nanayakkara made these remarks representing Sri Lanka as the Chair of the Abu Dhabi Dialogue (ADD), while moderating session “Inputs and Recommendations on the GCM by Region Breakout Groups” on 10 October 2017 at the seventh Global Meeting of Chairs and Secretariats of Regional Consultative Processes on Migration in Geneva.
The Director General of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Ambassador William Lacy Swing expressed his appreciation for Sri Lanka's active role in the preparations for the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration as well as the role in the Migration Health discussions during the meeting between Deputy Minister of Foreign Employment Manusha Nanayakkara and the Director General of IOM on 10 October 2017 at the IOM Headquarters in Geneva. During the meeting, the two sides discussed bilateral cooperation between Sri Lanka and the IOM. In particular, the Deputy Minister spoke of the training and capacity building requirements of Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka Ambassador/Permanent Representative to the World Trade Organization (WTO) R D S Kumararatne unanimously elected to chair the Fifth session of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) key annual meeting the “High-level International Investment Agreements Conference on Investment, Innovation and Entrepreneurship for Productive Capacity – building and Sustainable Development” that is being held in Geneva from 09 – 11 October 2017. The opening session was attended by UNCTAD Secretary General Dr. Mukhisa Kituyi.
The opening statement delivered by Ambassador Kumararatne.
9 October 2017
Sri Lanka Permanent Mission
Geneva
68th session of the Executive Committee of the High Commissioner’s Programme (ExCom) of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), held during the period 2-6 October 2017 in Geneva at the United Nations. Ms. Rosemary McCarney, Canadian Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations chaired the meeting with the presence of High Commissioner of UNHCR, Mr. Filippo Grandi.
Ambassador Ravintha Aryasinha, Sri Lanka’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations made an intervention under the general debateof 68th ExCom.
Full statement
9 October 2017
Sri Lanka Permanent Mission
Geneva
Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka to the UN in Geneva, Ambassador Ravinatha Aryasinha addressed the 57th Series of Meetings of the Assemblies of Member States of WIPO on 03 October 2017 in Geneva.
Director General of the National Intellectual Property Office of Sri Lanka, Mrs. Geethanjali Ranawaka and Counsellor Ms. Shashika Somaratne also participated in this session.
Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka
Geneva
03 October 2017
The Sri Lanka's Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva Ambassador Ravinatha Aryasinha has called on Colombo Process (CP) member states to bring together consular representatives from Asian migrant sending countries in the GCC region, to share experiences and best practices in meeting the day-to-day consular support needs of migrants. Noting that low and semi-skilled migrant workers from the CP countries in the GCC faced similar issues, and recalling the decision of the CP Ministerial Meeting held in Colombo in August 2016 to embark on ‘Consular Cooperation’ as a new thematic area among CP countries stationed in GCC, he welcomed the operationalization of this process through the recent convening of an IOM sponsored Migrants in Countries in Crisis Initiative’s (MICIC) workshop in Kuwait to address the emergency aspects of ‘Consular Support’. He urged that the idea to bring together consular staff from CP countries in destination countries should be replicated in other GCC countries as well, and must also focus on the day-to-day consular support needs of migrants and to collaborate with destination countries for mutual interest .
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