Embassy of Sri Lanka News

NEWS - SRI LANKA: The Embassy of Sri Lanka News Embassy of Sri Lanka Sri Lanka Washington D.C September 2017 Foreign Minister Tilak Marapana’s Address to the Indian Ocean Conference 2017 The Indian Ocean has historically been The situation in the world, particularly in the Indian a powerful communication channel for the Ocean, has undergone a major transformation since that spread of culture, global trade and com- time. The end of Cold War, and the shift towards globaliza- merce. Today, the Indian Ocean’s traditional tion, benefitted the region’s economic thrust. However, sever- status as a major source of livelihood is more al new challenges and threats to regional stability and security valid than ever before, as it remains an im- have emerged such as cross border issues, terrorism, piracy, portant international trade highway. drug trafficking, and environmental catastrophe. These chal- It is in this context that the 2nd Indian Ocean Confer- lenges require the development of a common approach and ence assumes significance. Identifying common challenges commitment, by those who are present in the region. and finding amicable solutions will help us, as a community Our economies rely on the free and secure passage of mar- of nations to grow, prosper and secure our future together. itime trade through the region. Therefore, we have a funda- Sri Lanka stands ready to do whatever is necessary towards mental interest in fostering peace and security and ensuring a achieving peace, progress and prosperity in the Indian Ocean safe maritime domain for all. An Indian Ocean, Rules Based region. Order that respects the rights of all states to the freedom of As an island nation, Ocean Affairs is of vital significance navigation and over-flight, and ensures unimpeded lawful to Sri Lanka. We have for many years participated promi- maritime commerce, in line with international laws and regu- nently in many international and regional initiatives related lations, is essential for peace and prosperity in our region and to Ocean Affairs. More significantly, we were closely involved beyond. A stable and secure Ocean order will not only build from the outset with the Third United Nations Conference on confidence and predictability among its users but also assist the Law of the Sea at which a new legal regime for the oceans in combating maritime crime and ensuring the safety and se- was developed. curity of our Sea Lanes of Communication. More Remarks by Foreign Secretary Prasad Kariyawasam at the Panel on Peace in the Indian Ocean Region The Indian Ocean poses many challenges as fitted from its interaction with those living beyond. Exchange well as opportunities in the present day. The of ideas, and goods and services within the region and those Ocean keeps the networks of trading alive, pro- from afar, have enriched our lives and continues to do so. Es- viding livelihood and delivering prosperity to tablishing a Peaceful Indian Ocean Region, is essential for the our people. At the same time, it also keeps the long and short-term wellbeing of our region and the billions networks of terrorism, piracy, drug smuggling, and human of people to whom this region is home. We need to create trafficking, alive, which requires constant vigilance and ac- conditions, processes and procedures for cooperation so that tion through cooperation, in our common interest. prosperity in the Indian Ocean Region will not remain just a Our desire is for a system in the Indian Ocean where all dream for our people. countries pursue their territorial claims and 90% of the world’s population lives by the pursue their aspirations in accordance with National Unity sea. As mentioned by many speakers yester- international law. A system that sees greater Government day, the seas remain the primary mode for cooperation, including on natural disasters, launches the international transportation of goods, maritime security, and for keeping the sea Vision 2025 touching the lives of this large body of peo- lanes open and safe. A system that enhances ple, directly. The Indian Ocean Region is economic connectivity in the entire Indo- Vision 2025 A of President no exception. Statistics with regard to sea- Asia-Pacific, ensuring the transfer of goods Country En- Maithripala borne transport has also been mentioned in and services at faster speeds, greater vol- riched, the eco- Sirisena and this Conference and elsewhere. Therefore, umes, and especially at lower costs. nomic devel- Prime Minister it is evident that sustaining peace and sta- Sri Lanka, located right in the middle of opment plan Ranil Wick- bility in the Oceans including in the Indian the orient, is ready to work with our part- of Sri Lanka’s remesinghe on Ocean is essential for peace and stability in ners in the region and beyond for this pur- national unity September 4. the littoral. In this context, the proposal by pose. We seek an inclusive Indian Ocean that government, The documentthe Hon. Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, to is peaceful, stable, and secure. Our Ocean, was launched can be viewed establish a Code of Conduct in the Indian since time immemorial, not only drew the under the here Ocean, we believe, requires urgent atten- attention of the rest of the world, but bene- patronage tion. More 1 NEWS - SRI LANKA: The Embassy of Sri Lanka U.S. House of Representatives Acting Assistant Secretary Delegation Strengthens for South and Central Asian U.S.-Sri Lankan Ties Affairs Alice G. Wells Visits Wickremesinghe, Speaker Sri Lanka of the Parliament Jayasuri- ya, and Opposition Leader all Sri Lankans. Sampanthan, on August 10. Ambassador The Members of Con- Wells arrived in gress traveled to Sri Lanka Colombo on Au- A bipartisan dele- during the U.S. Congres- gust 30 and met gation of Members of Con- sional recess to emphasize with representa- gress from the U.S. House continued U.S. commit- tives of the Gov- of Representatives arrived ment to political reforms ernment of Sri in Colombo on Wednes- and economic growth in Acting Assistant Lanka, including day, August 9 to further Sri Lanka. They stressed in Secretary of State for South President Maithripala Siri- strengthen ties between the their official meetings the and Central Asian Affairs sena and Prime Minister governments and people full support of the United Alice G. Wells concluded Ranil Wickremesinghe, the of Sri Lanka and the Unit- States for the Government her visit to Sri Lanka Sep- Tamil National Alliance, ed States. Congressman of Sri Lanka’s efforts to ex- tember 2, 2017. In her and civil society. During Rodney Frelinghuysen of pedite a new Constitution, conversations, Ambassador her visit, Ambassador Wells New Jersey, Chairman of strengthen democratic Wells emphasized contin- also participated in the In- the House Appropriations rights for Sri Lankans of all ued U.S. support for the dian Ocean Conference, Committee, and Congress- ethnicities, ensure recon- Government of Sri Lanka’s where she addressed a spe- man Henry Cuellar of Tex- ciliation, and foster greater efforts to promote reconcil- cial plenary session. as held productive meet- prosperity in all regions of iation, economic develop- More ings with Prime Minister the country.More ment, and equal rights for Foreign Secretary Kariyawasam National Geographic Sri Lanka addresses the Defense Travel Guide Seminar 2017 You are all familiar our path on a journey with Sri Lanka’s story. towards stronger Our country was mired in democratic institutions, conflict for almost three good governance, decades. We experienced reconciliation, and two youth insurrections in economic development, the South, and separatist we recognize that this is A visit to rising ecotour- roam, leopards frequent terrorism in the North. a journey that requires ism star Sri Lanka is kind of the southern forests, and All this tore our societies strong commitment and like having the best of Af- rare gray slender lorises— and our communities perseverance for the long rica and Asia all rolled into among the smallest pri- apart. Thousands of young, haul. We have to heal our a single easy-to-get-around mates on Earth—present productive lives were own who still bear the scars island (it’s slightly larger bucket-list-worthy wildlife- lost to our nation. Death, of conflict – both mental than West Virginia). viewing opportunities. Herds of Asian elephants Cultural heritage also destruction, displacement, and physical. More citizens leaving our shores, specific to Sri Lankareigns supreme here, from and considerable economic Georgia Senate honours Sri ancient Buddhist king- loss of a magnitude that Lankan-American Dr. Indran doms that left behind vast is inconceivable – these Indrakrishnan archeological treasures to were the results of violent vibrantly vital Hindu fes- conflict that arose as a The Georgia Senate recently recognized Sri Lankan tivals like Kataragama that result of extremism. American Dr. Indran Indrakrishnan for his outstanding draw thousands of spiritual More Today, as we chart work and achievements. More devotees each year. 2 NEWS - SRI LANKA: The Embassy of Sri Lanka Ceylon Tea a magical journey of 150 years Let’s brew a pot of delicious Though records are scant, evidence suggests that satisfaction. Let’s pour cups of the cultivation of tea plants—imported from Chi- pure enjoyment. Let’s drink to na—was attempted as early as 1824. Later, Maurice a 150-year heritage of quality Worms, a member of the Rothschild family of inter- and taste. And let us celebrate national financiers, planted some China seedlings 150 years of Ceylon Tea! An is- on Rothschild estates in Pusselawa and Ramboda. land’s gift to the world, a bev- He even made tea from the crop using Chinese tech- erage so special, its value and niques, though the price, at £5 a pound, was much appreciation still permeates the too high to be competitive.

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