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• Press Release on European Union Declaration Condemening Terrorism in Sri Lanka- 5 October 2005
• Statement issued by Mr. Phillip T. Reeker, Deputy Spokesman of U.S. Department of State Office regarding the meeting between the Deputy Secretary, Mr. Armitage and Enterprise Development and Constitutional Affairs Minister, Prof. G.L. Peiris.
• Media release by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding the problems faced by Sri Lankans in Russia
  - 19th April 2002 [30 KB]
• Press release by the Ministry Assiting Foreign Affairs - 18 April 2002 [44 KB]
• Press release by the Ministry of Foreign Affaris with reference to the Statement on the Situation of Zimbabwe - 21 March 2002 [40.2 KB]
• A Media Commiunique issued by the Ministry Assiting Foreign Affairs with regard to the plans to implement a special scheme for the diplomatic service- 21 March 2002 [42.2 KB].
• A pres release on Foreign Minister's Visit to Bangladesh issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

5th October 2005

EUROPEAN UNION DECLARATION CONDEMNING TERRORISM

The European Union hereby declares its condemnation of the continuing use of violence and terrorism by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). The pursuit of political goals by such totally unacceptable methods only serves to damage the LTTE's standing and credibility as a negotiating partner and gravely endangers the Peace Process so much desired by the people of Sri Lanka.

The European Union repeats its condemnation of the shocking murder of Foreign Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar and of so many others in Sri Lanka in recent weeks.

The European Union is actively considering the formal Listing of the LTTE as a terrorist organisation. In the meantime, the European Union has agreed that with immediate effect, delegations from the LTTE will no longer be received in any of the EU Member States until further notice.

The European Union has also agreed that each Member State will, where necessary, take additional national measures to check and curb illegal or undesirable activities (including issues of funding and propaganda) of the LTTE, its related organisations and known individual supporters.

The European Union furthermore repeats its serious concern at the continuing recruitment and retention of child soldier cadres by the LTTE and reminds them that there can be no excuse whatsoever for this abhorrent practice to continue.

The European Union takes this opportunity to underline the Statement of 19 September by the Co-Chairs of the Tokyo Donor Conference calling on the LTTE not least to take immediate public steps to demonstrate their commitment to the peace process and their willingness to change.

The European Union calls upon all parties in Sri Lanka to show commitment and responsibility towards the peace process during the coming period of elections and to refrain from actions that could endanger a peaceful resolution and political settlement of the conflict.

24th August 2005

MINISTER ANURA BANDARANAIKE ASSUMES OFFICE AS FOREIGN MINISTER

Hon.Anura Bandaranaike assumed duties as the new Minister of Foreign Affairs at the Minstry today (24th August). Minister Bandaranaike was sworn in as the Foreign Minister on Monday 22nd August by President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga, following the tragic assassination of Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar on 12th August.

The assumption of office by the new Minsiter was followed by Buddhist, Hindu, Christian and Islam religious ceremonies.

Addressing the officials and staff of the Foreign Ministry, Minister Bandaranaike stated that he will uphold the current foreign policy objectives of the Government, as were enunciated by the late Lakshman Kadirgamar.

The Minister added that he will also uphold professionalism in the Foreign Service.

A moment of silence was observed by all present, the momory of the late Minister Kadirgamar, as a mark of the principles of justice, dignity and territorial integrity of the country whihc he espoused.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

 

15th August 2005

SRI LANKA IS CALM AND SAFE FOR TRAVEL

"Any sort of violence has not followed the assisation in Colombo on Friday, August 12 of Sri Lanka's Foreign Minister, Mr.Lakshman Kadirgamar', noted Dr.Prathap Ramanujam, Secretary to the Ministry of Tourism.

Dr.Ramanujam said, "All political parties, religious and civic groups and leading business organizations in the country have with one voice condemned the killing. Colombo and all major tourist locations reported the law and order situation was normal as the Nation prepared to honour the salin Foreign Minister at a State Funeral this afternoon, (Monday, August 15).

The Bandaranaike International Airport, the country's aviation gateway, is fully functioning and reported no interruptions to inbound and outbound international flights, the Tourism Secretary noted, adding, "There has been absoultely no interruption to domestic flights and road and rail transport within the country following the Foreign Minsiter's assassination.

Dr.Ramanujam noted: "Travel agents and tour operators report no disruptions to visiotr travel. Those who have planned vacations in Sri Lanka need have to safety worries. They can count on a warm welcome to this country." Sri Lank is calm and safe to Travel.

Ministry of Tourism

 

25th April 2005

NOTE: All government and non governmental personnel visiting Sri Lanka in relation to Tsunami based research

The National Science Foundation (NSF) is a national Government organization established under the Science & Technology Development Act No. 11 of 1994 to promote Science & Technology in Sri Lanka.

The NSF would like to welcome all researchers actively pursuing research and related activities on Tsunami disaster, on behalf of Sri Lankan scientific community. Since there seems to be some overlap in data gathering by local and foreign scientists in relation to Tsunami and its after-math, the NSF has set up a Science & Technology initiative to coordinate all Research and Development activities related to the Tsunami disaster.

Since the data would contribute to future disaster mitigation and management in Sri Lanka, the Government of Sri Lanka has decided that all R&D activities related to Tsunami in Sri Lanka should be carried out in collaboration with a Sri Lankan Scientist.

While encouraging your contribution to R&D activities related to the Tsunami disaster, NSF would like to assist you further in finding local research partners as well as provide you with a platform if necessary, to share your experiences with the scientific community.

In view of this we strongly urge you to register with NSF as soon as you arrive in Sri Lanka.

The contact address is:

The Director, National Science Foundation, 47/5 Maitland Place, Colombo.

Tel: 2696771-3, 2694170; Fax: 2694754; Email: dir@nsf.ac.lk