News Bulletin

Issued  by the High Commission of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka 13, Hyde Park Gardens, London W2  2LU  

POLITICAL

State Visit of His Excellency

Dr. Mahmoud Ahmadinejad,
President of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Sri Lanka ,
28 – 29 April 2008

President Mahinda Rajapaksa explains a point to Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad during an inspection tour of the Sapugaskanda oil refinery whose expansion is being funded by Iran . Work on the project has started.

Joint Statement

His Excellency Dr. Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, accompanied by a high ranking delegation paid a State Visit to Sri Lanka from 28 to 29 April, 2008 at the invitation of His Excellency Mahinda Rajapaksa, the President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka.

The President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, His Excellency Dr. Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was officially welcomed by the Sri Lankan President His Excellency Mahinda Rajapaksa at a formal ceremony held at the Bandaranaike International Airport .

His Excellency Dr. Mahmoud Ahmadinejad held wide-ranging discussions with President Rajapaksa, attended by Ministers and senior officials of both sides. The discussions which took place in a cordial atmosphere, were detailed and substantive, covering issues of bilateral, regional and global interest. Both Presidents, while noting with satisfaction the progress achieved in bilateral relations, stressed their firm commitment to further enhance mutual cooperation in the political, economic, trade, cultural, educational, scientific and technological fields. The discussions reaffirmed the close and friendly ties that exist between Sri Lanka and Iran .

The two Presidents agreed to broaden and deepen their bilateral cooperation, in a spirit of mutual goodwill and friendship. They also agreed to continue regular high-level exchanges between the two countries.

The two Presidents also discussed important regional and international issues and stated that unilateralism would undermine internationally accepted norms.

The two Presidents briefed each other on issues of common interest and current developments in their respective countries.

Both sides condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and emphasized the need for enhanced international cooperation to eliminate this global menace. The Iranian side expressed its support for the sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of Sri Lanka and welcomed the positive political steps taken to end the conflict through negotiations, leading to a durable settlement, acceptable to all the people of Sri Lanka .

The Sri Lankan side supported the peaceful use of nuclear energy by Iran , within the framework of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) and under the supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The two sides confirmed the full and non-discriminatory implementation of Article IV of the NPT on peaceful nuclear co-operation.

The two sides reiterated the importance of global nuclear disarmament, particularly the need for the nuclear powers to destroy their nuclear weapons, based on the decisions of the relevant international meetings.

The two sides expressed their deep concern over the violence against the Palestinian people in the Palestinian territories and recognized the inalienable rights and the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people at the highest level, and will continue to express their solidarity with the Palestinian people. Both sides also expressed the hope that the differences among the different groups in Palestine will be resolved amicably.

The two sides, stressing the need for the consolidation of national unity and understanding, peaceful co-existence and the preservation of the stability, security and peace in Lebanon, supported initiatives among different Lebanese parties through consensus and the participation of all Lebanese political groups in the process of deciding all issues of concern, as the only way out of the current crisis in Lebanon.

Both sides emphasized the need for the preservation of the territorial integrity and unity of Iraq and the participation of all Iraqi groups in the political process and expressed their support for the efforts of the elected Iraqi government to restore security and stability in Iraq .

The two sides expressed concern over the escalation of insecurity and instability in Afghanistan , and supported, as a matter of priority, the endeavour by the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan for the restoration of peace and stability.

The two sides underscored the potential for expansion of bilateral economic co-operation, which would greatly strengthen the existing bonds of friendship and co-operation between the two countries and be conducive to the common progress and prosperity of the peoples of Iran and Sri Lanka, inter alia, by encouraging the private sectors of both countries to invest in each other.

Recalling the visit of His Excellency Mahinda Rajapaksa, President of Sri Lanka to Iran in November 2007, and the Agreements and MOUs reached between the two countries in the areas of power supply and irrigation as well as the expansion of the oil refinery facility in Sri Lanka, both sides expressed their deep satisfaction at the ceremonial inauguration of the Uma Oya multi purpose development project and the Sapugaskanda oil refinery project respectively, with the assistance of the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran, during the visit of His Excellency the President of Iran to Sri Lanka.

Both sides also noted with satisfaction, the conclusion of the following MOUs and Agreements during the visit of the President of Iran to Sri Lanka .

(i) MOU on the Establishment of the Political Consultation Mechanism between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Sri Lanka and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Islamic Republic of Iran.

(ii) MOU between Mahinda Rajapaksa Sports Development Foundation of Sri Lanka and Mostazafan Foundation of the Islamic Revolution of Iran to build and operate "Iranian Club-Colombo" in Diyagama, Homagama, Sri Lanka.

(iii) Heads of Agreement between the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation and the National Iranian Oil Refining and Distribution Company.

(iv) Financing Agreement between the Ministry of Finance & Planning of Sri Lanka and the Export Development Bank of Iran for the Uma Oya multi-purpose development project.

(v) Contract Agreement between the Ministry of Irrigation and Water Management of Sri Lanka and Farab Energy and Water Projects Company of Iran for the Uma Oya multi-purpose development project.

The President of Sri Lanka His Excellency Mahinda Rajapaksa expressed his profound appreciation and sincere thanks to the President of Iran His Excellency Dr. Mahmoud Ahmadinejad for the assistance that has been pledged for the socio -economic development of Sri Lanka , which would be of direct benefit to its people.

Given the ever increasing importance of regional co-operation, both sides agreed to welcome and support various initiatives for the strengthening of such co-operation in Asia, inter alia, such as the Economic Co-operation Organization (ECO), South Asian Association for Regional Co-operation (SAARC), Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Co-operation (IOR-ARC), Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN), Asia – Middle East Dialogue (AMED) and the Colombo Plan.

The President of the Islamic Republic of Iran His Excellency Dr. Mahmoud Ahmadinejad thanked the Government and the people of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka for the warm hospitality accorded to him and his delegation during his visit.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Colombo

29 April 2008

Source : Ministry of Foreign Affairs

President lauds patience and support of working people

President’s May Day Message

I am pleased to send greetings to the working people of Sri Lanka when the workers of the world proudly celebrate May Day – the International Workers’ Day.

The cooperation extended by the working people towards our efforts to build a prosperous Sri Lanka in keeping with the policies of the Mahinda Chinthana, that give priority to the aspirations of the people to take the country towards major development, is very much valued by me.

Many are the victories brought to this country by the working people, and I am privileged to share this honour with them. I believe they are honoured by our steps to take this country on the correct path of development with a good understanding of the aspirations of the people.

It is a great strength to the country for its working people to be united irrespective of any differences of race, religion, caste and politics. Those who suffer most when peace in the country is destroyed are the working people and their children, and this awareness has made the workers of the country to be patient and support the government in its efforts to defeat terrorism and bring peace to the country. This is a great encouragement towards securing the future of the country.

Facing up to these challenges, the government has implemented policies to provide relief to the working people and bring prosperity to their lives. That is why we act to safeguard the rights of workers in the private sector while strengthening the rights of those in the state sector. It is because this is a pro-people government that we have acted to bring down the prices of a range of consumer items while implementing policies directed at the long-term goal of strengthening the national economy and achieving real freedom for the country. We will continue our strong commitment to safeguard the rights of the working people, and strengthening the economy.

I look forward to the continued cooperation of the working people in meeting the challenges of bringing about lasting peace in the country and strengthening our economy. It is my wish that we will all succeed in building a New Sri Lanka that is beneficial to all.

Source: www.priu.gov.lk

Sri Lanka hosted the 7th Commonwealth Youth Ministers' Conference from April 27 to 30 in Colombo .

The inaugural ceremony of the conference was held on 27th April under the patronage of President Mahinda Rajapaksa. Youth Ministers of 53 Commonwealth countries, the Secretary General of the Commonwealth Mr. Kamalesh Sharma and many other delegates from international organisations as observers attended the Conference.

The theme of the conference was 'Youth and Peace Building '. A new stamp worth Rs. 5 was issued to mark the occasion.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa arrives at the BMICH  for the opening of the Conference in Colombo on 27 April. Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama, Youth Affairs Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi and Commonwealth Secretary General Kamalesh Sharma were also present.

Source: Daily News

President Mahinda Rajapaksa said that Sri Lanka has for the past three decades been facing threats from the most brutal terrorist organisation in the world, a terror outfit that does not hesitate to use youth as pawns and cannon fodder in brutal operations to undermine the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country. President Rajapaksa was speaking at the opening ceremony of the Seventh Commonwealth Youth Ministers' Meeting held at the BMICH on Sunday 27 April.

The recruitment of young boys and girls as child soldiers for forces of terror has been condemned by the United Nations and all those who seek peace and democracy in the world including members of the Commonwealth, the President said. "I am aware that Sri Lanka is not alone in facing this brutality of child soldiers," he added.

President Rajapaksa said that it is our resolve not to give into these forces of terror to save our youth from the clutches of these forces. Sri Lanka has an extensive rehabilitation programme for children who were involved in armed conflict and the children must be returned to their parents. Sri Lanka has a clear view on the need for better empowerment of youth to overcome the growing challenge of unemployment.

Youth must be empowered through a balanced education, skills development sports and recreation in an environment enriched by culture and religion with harmony, the President said.

Therefore, priority should be given to the political stability and economic development of the country.

The President said that in Sri Lanka 40 per cent of the nominations of contesting Local Government elections are from youth between 18 to 35 years of age because youth proved that they are a powerful force for development democracy and peace building Sri Lanka .

The President explained the projects implemented for youth in the country ensuring free education with free textbooks, restrictions for drugs and liquor, special programme for studying English language and developing IT skills of youth.

Minister of Youth Affairs Pavithra Wanniarachchi and Commonwealth General Secretary Kamalesh Sharma also addressed the parley.

 Source: www.dailynews.lk

FM calls for effective action against terrorism by the Commonwealth

Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama has underscored the importance for the Commonwealth to combat  terrorism, as value dedication to its global agenda. He  made this observation during a meeting on 26/04/2008 with the Commonwealth Secretary General Kamalesh Sharma, who was on a visit to Sri Lanka to attend the Commonwealth Youth Ministers' meeting, which is his first meeting at Ministerial level, since assuming duties as Secretary General earlier this month. They both agreed on the imperative need for member countries not to be misled by the machinations of terror groups, and  to stand in solidarity with one another against such threats.

In this context, they recalled the decision, endorsed by the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Kampala last year, to convene a meeting on terrorism, which would be hosted by Sri Lanka .  While noting  that this meeting has been tentatively scheduled for  the last quarter of this year, Minister Bogollagama pointed out the need for preparatory work  to be commenced immediately, and to ensure non- duplication of related issues and  value addition, as its foundation.

Secretary General Sharma appreciated Sri Lanka 's undertaking to participate in the Commonwealth Group at Heads of Government level, to study the reform of international institutions.  This initiative which is also a Kampala mandate, will bring approximately 10 -12 Heads of Government to consider issues related to the reform of the IMF, World Bank etc.  The Foreign Minister shared the view that such a dialogue would link the Commonwealth with the World Bank, thus profiling the organization on the global economic agenda.  He confirmed that President Mahinda Rajapakse would attend the  meeting to be held in London in June 2008.

Foreign Minister Bogollagama emphasized the urgent need for Pakistan to be re-admitted to meetings of the Commonwealth Councils.  The Secretary General while endorsing the Minister's view, briefed him on the preparatory work for the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG) scheduled for early next month, which would consider this matter.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Colombo

27^th April 2008

Source : Ministry of Foreign Affairs

UK Parliamentary delegation visits Sri Lanka

A delegation of British Parliamentarians led by Mr Andrew Love, MP, Co-chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Sri Lanka, Dr Ashok Kumar, MP, Chairman of the All Party Parliamentary Group on India, Mr Andrew George, Lib Dem MP, and Mr Stephen Hammond, Conservative MP visited Sri Lanka from 29 March to 5 April on the invitation of the Government of Sri Lanka.

During their visit they toured the Jaffna peninsula in the northern province , Batticaloa and Trincomalee districts in the eastern province and Puttalam in the north western province where they met with civil society representatives, University academics, religious dignitaries of all denominations and government officials.

In Colombo they met with Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama, Prof Tissa Vitharane, Chairman of the All Party Representative Committee (APRC), Opposition leader Ranil Wickremasinghe, leaders of all political parties, representatives of civil society groups and the media.

Source : Sri Lanka High Commission, London

Three men were arrested in London and Wales on 29/4/08 as part of a long-term police investigation into the LTTE, Scotland Yard said.

The trio were arrested following dawn raids on homes and business addresses in Newtown in Wales , in Mitcham, southwest London as well as raids elsewhere in Surrey .

Two men aged 39 and 46 were arrested at separate addresses in Newtown . A third, aged 33, was held in Mitcham. All three men were arrested on suspicion of the "commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism".

"It is not linked to Al-Qaeda-type activity or inspired terrorism.  It is in relation to support, procurement and fundraising for a proscribed organisation, the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam," a police spokesman said of the arrests.

"This is part of a long-term investigation into alleged funding and procurement activity in support of terrorism overseas and two people have already been charged in connection with this investigation," he added.

They were to be questioned later at the high security Paddington Green police station in central London