Monday, 16 December 2024 22:18 |

His Excellency Prime Minister Narendra Modi Honourable Ministers Excellencies Ladies and Gentlemen Friends from the media Ayubowan, Vanakkam, Namaste, Good Afternoon. It is indeed a pleasure to be in New Delhi on my first overseas visit after assuming office as the President of Sri Lanka.
I am thankful to Her Excellency President Shrimati Droupadi Murmu and His Excellency Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for the invitation extended to me and the warm welcome and hospitality. The deep-rooted civilizational ties and the strong bilateral cooperation between our two countries have been elevated during this visit. My visit occurs at an important juncture in the political scenario of both our nations where our peoples have explicitly spoken through the democratically established electoral systems and given us the mandate to steer our countries along the path of sustainable development, social empowerment and prosperity. The Parliament of Sri Lanka now has the highest number of representatives ever elected under a single mandate. This overwhelming support that the National People’s Power under my leadership received from the people is a watershed moment in the history of Sri Lanka. For the first time in Sri Lanka’s history, the public mandate expressed during the recently concluded Presidential and Parliamentary Elections, has laid the seeds for a political transformation enabling the formation of a new political culture in our country. People from all the Provinces - North, South, East, and West—representing diverse communities and various walks of life contributed to this mandate. As a leader entrusted with such an important responsibility by my people, I clearly understand that the essence of democracy lies in the coexistence of diverse political views and groups. India has always been an integral part of the growth and development of Sri Lanka throughout history, from sharing the precepts of the Dhamma to being a partner in our developmental progress. My visit to India today demonstrates these close and friendly ties that we have been enjoying since time immemorial.
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Monday, 16 December 2024 00:00 |
India – Sri Lanka Joint Statement Fostering Partnerships for a Shared Future
Prime Minister of India His Excellency Shri Narendra Modi and President of Sri Lanka His Excellency Anura Kumara Disanayaka had comprehensive and fruitful discussions at their meeting in New Delhi on 16 December 2024, during the latter’s State Visit to the Republic of India.
- The two leaders reaffirmed that the India-Sri Lanka bilateral partnership is underpinned by deep-rooted cultural and civilizational ties, geographical proximity and the people-to-people relation.
- President Disanayaka conveyed his deep appreciation for the unwavering support extended by India to the people of Sri Lanka during and after the unprecedented economic crisis in 2022. Recalling his profound commitment to fulfilling the aspirations of the Sri Lankan people for a prosperous future, greater opportunities, and sustained economic growth, he looked forward to India’s continued support for the achievement of these objectives. Prime Minister Modi assured President Disanayaka of India’s full commitment in this regard, in keeping with the special place Sri Lanka occupies in India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy and ‘SAGAR’ vision.
- Both leaders acknowledged that bilateral ties had deepened over the years and contributed significantly to the socio-economic development of Sri Lanka. Underscoring the potential for further cooperation, both leaders affirmed their commitment to progress the relationship between India and Sri Lanka to a mutually beneficial comprehensive partnership for the well-being of the peoples of the two countries.
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Friday, 13 December 2024 17:18 |

President Anura Kumara Disanayaka will undertake a State Visit to India from 15-17 December 2024 at the invitation of the President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu. This is the first overseas visit undertaken by the President after his assumption of office.
During the visit, President Disanayaka is scheduled to meet the Indian President Smt. Droupadi Murmu and hold bilateral discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other Indian dignitaries on a range of issues of mutual interest. The visit will further advance and consolidate the long-standing relations between the two countries. Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism Colombo 13 December 2024 |
Monday, 09 December 2024 15:20 |

The International Bazaar & Cultural Extravaganza 2024, held at the Good Market, Race Course, Colombo 07, offered a truly international experience on Saturday, 07 December 2024 celebrating diverse cultures, cuisine, and crafts. The event, themed around sustainability, captivated attendees with its vibrant activities and country booth presentations. This second edition of the annual event was inaugurated by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism Vijitha Herath in the presence of the Deputy Minister of Industries, Chathuranga Abeysinghe, and Ministry Secretary, Aruni Ranaraja.

Organized by the Ministry in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Foreign Service Association (SLFSA) and the Diplomatic Corps, the event presented an array of activities, including international cuisine and Craft Fair, Country Parade, cultural performances, singalong session, raffle draw, and a dedicated Kids’ Corner. The Minister, along with the Deputy Minister of Industries, senior officials, and SLFSA office bearers, visited each stall to engage the participants and attendees.

The evening segment was elevated by the presence of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, who graced the Fashion Show which highlighted sustainability and ethical fashion. Four Sri Lankan designers—Buddhi Batiks, Kelly Felder, Selyn, and Osu Wasthra—showcased their collections. Members of the Diplomatic Corps, including High Commissioners and Ambassadors, modeled sustainable and ethical designs, adding a unique charm to the event.
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Saturday, 30 November 2024 00:00 |

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, Vijitha Herath, in a recorded video message to the High-Level Segment of the 115th Session of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Council on 26 November 2024, stressed the importance of ensuring safe, orderly, regular, rights-based migration.
The High-Level Segment of the IOM was themed: ‘Regular Migration Pathways: A Global Call for Action’, and the 115th Session of the Council was held in Geneva from 26-28 November 2024.
The full version of the statement is below.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment & Tourism
Colombo
29 November 2024
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