High Commission of Sri Lanka in India

The United States today lifted the security alert on the Arugam Bay area, following close collaboration with the Sri Lankan side and the immediate and extensive security measures put in place by the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Public Security and related agencies.

Sri Lanka takes any security alert seriously, and accordingly the Sri Lankan authorities promptly implemented a series of coordinated security measures in the area to safeguard tourists, foreigners and residents against any possible threat.

Detailed instructions were given by Sri Lanka Police to maintain security in the Arugam Bay area while emphasising the importance of safeguarding the freedom of tourists. The residents of the concerned areas as well as owners of tourist establishments and all persons engaged in the field of tourism cooperated closely with the Sri Lanka Police in these efforts.

At a meeting held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath together with all related defence and public security agencies, briefed the Heads of Diplomatic Missions directly concerned, regarding the extensive measures by the Sri Lankan side, and urged the removal of the security alert and related travel advisories.
This request was reiterated by Foreign Minister Herath yesterday. The US side rescinded the security alert this afternoon stating that the USA values the “strong partnership with the Government of Sri Lanka and law enforcement”.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterates that Sri Lanka is a peaceful, beautiful and friendly destination for tourists ahead of the upcoming tourist season.
 
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Colombo

13 November 2024

The attention of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been drawn to incorrect and misleading reports carried in certain local media that Sri Lanka’s application for BRICS membership has been rejected.  

As approved by the Cabinet on 7 October 2024, Sri Lanka applied for membership in BRICS and the New Development Bank (NDB). The Minister of Foreign Affairs Vijitha Herath wrote to his counterparts in BRICS member countries informing of Sri Lanka’s interest to join. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake also wrote to his Russian counterpart in this regard.
 
At the BRICS Outreach Summit held in Kazan, Russia 22-24 October 2024, Foreign Secretary Aruni Wijewardane, as leader of the Sri Lanka delegation announced Sri Lanka's interest. At the Summit, the BRICS Member States also endorsed a new category of Partner Countries, whilst ‘welcoming the considerable interest by countries of the Global South in BRICS’ (Kazan Declaration).
 
Pending requests for BRICS membership from many countries including Sri Lanka will be considered by BRICS member countries in due course.
 
Sri Lanka’s intention to join the New Development Bank was welcomed by the President of the New Development Bank. The Foreign Ministry together with relevant Government agencies will review the procedures and timing in this regard.
 
There is no truth in the statement carried in certain local media that “Sri Lanka’s BRICS application has been rejected”.
 
It is regrettable that the points made by the Minister of Foreign Affairs at the post-cabinet media conference on 6 November 2024 have been misrepresented.
 
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Colombo
 
10 November 2024

Sri Lanka, together with Australia, was elected by acclamation to the post of Vice President of the Standing Committee (Asia–Pacific Group) during the Seventh Session of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) Assembly held in New Delhi on 04 November 2024. By virtue of this post, Sri Lanka will also be the Chair of the Regional Committee (Asia-Pacific Group) for 2025–2026.

During the session, India was elected to the ISA Presidency, with France as the post Co-President. The Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) was accorded the ISA Partner Organisation Status.

The ISA Assembly is an annual international conference to promote global solar transformation. It serves as a platform for stakeholders of government, industry, academia, and NGOs to deliberate on advocacy, capacity building, knowledge sharing, and financing in achieving optimal level of solar energy capacity.

Delivering the country statement on behalf of Sri Lanka, Deputy High Commissioner of Sri Lanka in New Delhi Priyanga Wickramasinghe thanked ISA member states for their support and reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s commitment to the progress of ISA’s agenda. Being the incumbent Chair of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), Sri Lanka also recorded the appreciation for according Partner Organisation Status to IORA.

The Deputy High Commissioner recalled the pledge of the Government of Sri Lanka to achieve 70% of its electricity requirement from renewable energy sources by 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality in electricity generation by 2050. She highlighted that Sri Lanka has identified several key regions with significant potential for renewable energy development, particularly in the Northern, Eastern, and Southern provinces, which are earmarked for large-scale wind and solar projects. Reference was made to the 100MW Siyambalanduwa solar project being currently underway. 

The ISA is an intergovernmental organisation for increased deployment of solar energy technologies as a means for energy access, energy security, and driving energy transition in its member countries. Sri Lanka ratified the Framework Agreement of the ISA in 2018, becoming a founding member. The Ministry of Energy of Sri Lanka serves as the focal point for the ISA.

The full statement of Sri Lanka delivered at the Assembly is annexed.
 
High Commission of Sri Lanka
New Delhi
06 November 2024