The National Day of the CZECH REPUBLIC 100Th Anniversary

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

The National Day of the CZECH REPUBLIC 100Th Anniversary THE SUNDAY TIMES 2 24 Sunday, October 28, 2018 Message from The Ambassador of The Czech Republic Message from Hon. Consul Dear Sri Lankan the past century, I am and International Trade Mr. Malik Sri Lanka being the tiations was initiated by exporting locally manu- friends, I feel truly hon- pleased to note that the Samarawickrama to Prague which pearl of the Indian the support of Hon. factured pharmaceuti- oured and privileged to Czech Republic and Sri he paid only one week after Mr. Ocean, strategically Ravi Karunanayake cal products of their have the opportunity to Lanka have been suc- Stech´s successful stay in Colombo located linking east and which the final round member companies to address you on the occa- cessful in taking their and during which the two sides West of Asia and seeing would conclude the Czech Republic and to sion of the National Day bilateral relationship to focused on economic aspects of more than 300 ships negotiations. Long European Union coun- of the Czech Republic to the next level. their relations. passing in the southern pending economic cor- tries. celebrate the centenary of We do have a solid Addressing economic interac- horizon in the interna- poration agreement This was positively Independent basis of long-lasting tions between the Czech Republic tional maritime route between the two coun- taken up and further Czechoslovak State. history of friendly and Sri Lanka, I can only wish connecting all conti- tries was concluded discussed in Prague for One hundred years ago, relations to build on. they matched the quality and nents had been well early this year. The implementation. exactly on October 28th H.E.Mr.Milos Moreover, the Czech intensity of our political ties. The identified and recog- recent visit to Prague, All this good work has 1918, a jointly shared Zemen, Republic has tradi- potential, still untapped poten- nized as far as 1957 by the Development strate- to be planned and drive dream of so many Czechs President of tionally been a good tial, is huge and I believe that then the Czechoslovakia gies and International through a clear vision and Slovaks for life in a Czech Republic development partner both countries could gain a lot if and started its diplomat- Dr. Lohitha trade minister Hon. and dedication. common, sovereign state to help Sri Lanka pro- they work together with a view to ic ties and reinstated Samarawikrema Malik Samarawickrema At the consulate we do became a reality. A new gress with its democ- strengthening bilateral trade and the same again as the Hon. Consul reassured the trade ties our utmost to achieve independent republic ratization, restoring investment ties. A business mis- Czech Republic in 1993 even further with his the expectations of the appeared on the map of democratic govern- sion accompanying the President through their mission travelers, Tourism is counterpart Hon. two nations and its peo- Europe and soon won ance, advance pro- of the Senate of the Parliament in New Delhi. one of the main interest PetrOcko and decided to ple. international respect and cess of national rec- of the Czech Republic played an Ever since, ensuring we both nations have in appoint a joint commit- It is a must to mention recognition. onciliation and put important role along this path the goodwill of the two common. tee to follow up the pro- the support and courage A century has passed the country on the and contributed a lot to increase nations, there had been I must also acknowl- gress. of the Ambassador H.E. since this auspicious day path of solid growth. awareness of the existing oppor- many visits by the dele- edge that the Czech Minister Milan Hovorka and in our history. A lot has It has always been tunities and promote networking gates to and from Czech Republic is famous for Smarawickrema also Madam Jarmila and there to help Sri between the two countries´ busi- its gothic architecture had high level discus- this extends even some- changed over that period H.E.Mr. Republic and Sri Lanka. of time. Even the state- Lanka cope with nesses. In their efforts, our com- Especially the Czech in the 13th Century and sions with Czech times beyond their offi- MilanHovorka, hood of the country has emergency situations panies can count very much on Republic being a coun- is one of the highly authorities and met the cial capacities. changed on January 1st, The arising from natural the two Government´s systemic try with very advanced industrialized nation in State Secretary for Working as a team Mr. 1993, when Ambassadsor of disasters. Well known support. This support has been technologies, it was evi- the European Union Foreign affairs H.E. Roman Maserik – Czechoslovakia was peace- the Czech is the fact that the manifested yet again in February dently supported our and produces high qual- MiloslavStasek who is Deputy Head of mission fully and gently divided Republic Czech Republic stead- of this year, when the Agreement humanitarian mission ity products/engineer- closely monitoring the and Ms. Gabriella into two new, completely ily supported Sri between the Ministry of Industry in eradicating terrorism ing goods and services affairs of our countries. Benetkova – Head of sovereign states within an integrat- Lanka during the civil war and and Trade of the Czech Republic in Sri Lanka providing which Sri Lanka can By the invitation of Consular section are the ing Europe – the Czech Republic played important role in bring- and the Ministry of Development lots of military equip- benefit if the right syn- the Hon. Speaker of the main pillars leading the and the Slovak Republic. ing the long-lasting conflict to Strategies and International ment, devices, training ergy is established in Democratic Socialist Delhi team who are Today, the Czech Republic is a an end. Trade of Sri Lanka on Mutual and services. the appropriate fields. Republic of Sri Lanka assisting us with day to proud member of the European The two countries have been able Cooperation was signed. I am To symbolize the Czech Republic is also Hon. KaruJayasuriya, day activities. Union and North Atlantic Treaty to intensify their contacts at all lev- confident that the ongoing negoti- friendship further, Sri known for its strong the President of the I’m thankful to H.E. Organization. It belongs to the com- els, including visits at the highest ations on the double taxation Lanka exchanged two economy among the Senate of the Czech Jean Marin Schuh the munity of successful and prosper- political level. This year´s agreement will also be brought to elephants with Prague European Union coun- Republic H.E. Milan Ambassador of France ous nations that cherish values of September official visit of the a successful conclusion very zoo in 2012 and happy to tries and a friendly Stech and the senators and the Consular /Visa democracy, liberty, respect for President of the Senate of the soon. announce that the two nation who always sup- were in Colombo recent- staff of the French human rights and good govern- Parliament of the Czech Republic To conclude, let me highlight, elephants delivered two ported Sri Lanka with l y. embassy for their ance, and promote the vision of Mr. Milan Stech to Sri Lanka repre- once again, the importance of peo- babies which the names no hesitations. Meeting the Prime immense support issu- all-inclusive growth and sustaina- sents an important landmark in the ple-to-people contacts between our giving ceremony was Such a generous con- minister Hon. ing short term visas for ble development across the globe. regard. His talks with the Prime two countries. This is our major held in Prague with the tribution of 2.5 Million RanilWickramasinghe, travelers to Czech The Czech Republic is committed Minister of Sri Lanka Mr. Ranil assets. We have to cherish it and presence of Hon. CzK was made last year the President of the sen- Republic. to international peace and security Wickremesinghe, the Speaker of work hard with the objective of pro- MangalaSamaraweera. by the Czech humani- ate expressed his will- Let me also take this and plays an active role on the the Parliament Mr. Karu moting it through tourism, univer- It is the fact that these tarian aid program for ingness to support Sri opportunity to congrat- international area in searching Jayasuriya and the Minister of sity-to-university cooperation and Elephants are the big- the flood victims and to Lanka continuously. ulate my colleague Mr. appropriate answers to common Foreign Affairs Mr. Tilak cultural exchanges. In this respect, gest attraction in the renovate and rebuild During this visit The MahenKariyaasam - challenges and threats of today´s Marapana brought about a number I am pleased that Sri Lanka has Prague Zoo where there the Nilwala National Czech – Sri Lanka par- Honorary Consul for globalized world. It enjoys thriving of new ideas and suggestions emerged as one of the most pre- are more than 2.5 college of teacher train- liamentary friendship Slovakia for the Day of partnerships with most countries, regarding future orientations of ferred tourist destinations in South Million visitors are ing in Akuressa with Association was formed century celebrations of including with Sri Lanka. bilateral relations. Asia for fellow compatriots of mine. recorded annually and the coordination of the under the chairmanship Czechoslovakia this As the Ambassador of the Czech But I cannot omit the visit of the Long live the Czech Republic. rated as one of the best Education Minister of Hon. year together. Republic to the “Paradise Without Minister of Foreign Affairs of Sri Long live Sri Lanka. Long live bilat- zoos in the world.
Recommended publications
  • Evolution of China-Sri Lanka Relations
    Evolution of China-Sri Lanka Relations Ms. Gunjan Singh’s research interests include international relations, developments in China and space security. She has pursued her scholarship with various well known think tanks and has authored as well as edited many papers for national and international journals. Presently, she is an Associate Fellow at the VIF, New Delhi. — 2 — Evolution of China-Sri Lanka Relations Evolution of China-Sri Lanka Relations Introduction Over the last ten years China has been paying renewed attention to its ties with Sri Lanka. There has been a large rise in Chinese investments in various projects in Sri Lanka. Beijing has also diplomatically supported Colombo on various issues, especially on charges of human rights violations. In return, Sri Lanka has played an important role in helping China enhance its influence and prestige in the South Asian region. Notably, since taking over as president, Xi Jinping has accorded special focus to this relationship. Xi visited Sri Lanka in September 2014, the first visit by any Chinese President, in 28 years.1 A study of the growing Chinese involvement in Sri Lanka could be divided into two phases. The first would roughly coincide with the end of the Eelam War in May 2009 under President Rajapaksa, to the end of 2014. The next phase would constitute the period from January 2015 when Rajapaksa lost the election and Sirisena assumed the presidency, to till date. The period under Rajapaksa was marked by major initiatives to strengthen the relationship with China. The warmth between China and Sri Lanka grew after 2009 because China was one of the few countries that continued to supply arms and defence equipment to the Sri Lankan Army during its war against the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE).
    [Show full text]
  • Minutes of Parliament Present
    (Eighth Parliament - First Session) No. 134. ] MINUTES OF PARLIAMENT Tuesday, December 06, 2016 at 9.30 a. m. PRESENT : Hon. Karu Jayasuriya, Speaker Hon. Thilanga Sumathipala, Deputy Speaker and Chairman of Committees Hon. Ranil Wickremesinghe, Prime Minister and Minister of National Policies and Economic Affairs Hon. (Mrs.) Thalatha Atukorale, Minister of Foreign Employment Hon. Wajira Abeywardana, Minister of Home Affairs Hon. John Amaratunga, Minister of Tourism Development and Christian Religious Affairs and Minister of Lands Hon. Mahinda Amaraweera, Minister of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development Hon. (Dr.) Sarath Amunugama, Minister of Special Assignment Hon. Gayantha Karunatileka, Minister of Parliamentary Reforms and Mass Media and Chief Government Whip Hon. Ravi Karunanayake, Minister of Finance Hon. Akila Viraj Kariyawasam, Minister of Education Hon. Lakshman Kiriella, Minister of Higher Education and Highways and Leader of the House of Parliament Hon. Mano Ganesan, Minister of National Co-existence, Dialogue and Official Languages Hon. Daya Gamage, Minister of Primary Industries Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Minister of Sports Hon. Nimal Siripala de Silva, Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation Hon. Palany Thigambaram, Minister of Hill Country New Villages, Infrastructure and Community Development Hon. Duminda Dissanayake, Minister of Agriculture Hon. Navin Dissanayake, Minister of Plantation Industries Hon. S. B. Dissanayake, Minister of Social Empowerment and Welfare ( 2 ) M. No. 134 Hon. S. B. Nawinne, Minister of Internal Affairs, Wayamba Development and Cultural Affairs Hon. Gamini Jayawickrama Perera, Minister of Sustainable Development and Wildlife Hon. Harin Fernando, Minister of Telecommunication and Digital Infrastructure Hon. A. D. Susil Premajayantha, Minister of Science, Technology and Research Hon. Sajith Premadasa, Minister of Housing and Construction Hon.
    [Show full text]
  • Ministry of Foreign Affairs Sri Lanka Annual Performance
    MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS SRI LANKA ANNUAL PERFORMANCE REPORT 2017 MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS Contents Page No 1. Mission, Subjects and Functions of the Ministry of Foreign 1 Affairs 2. Preface 3 - 5 3. Organizational Chart of the Ministry 7 4. Progress Report of the Divisions - Africa Division 9 - 27 - Consular Affairs Division 29 - 35 - East Asia and Pacific Division 37 - 80 - Economic Affairs and Trade Division 81 - 88 - European Union, Multilateral Treaties and Commonwealth 89 - 95 Division - Finance Division 97 - 102 - General Administration Division 103 - 106 - Legal Division 107 - 112 - Middle East 113 - 134 - Ocean Affairs and Climate Change Division 135 - 142 - Overseas Administration Division 143 - 149 - Overseas Sri Lankan Division 151 - 154 - Policy Planning Division 155 - 157 - Protocol Division 159 - 167 - Public Communications Division 169 - 172 - South Asia and SAARC Division 173 - 184 - United Nations and Human Rights Division 185 - 192 - United States of America and Canada Division 193 - 201 - West Division 203 - 229 5. Network of Diplomatic Missions Abroad 231 6. Revenue collected by Sri Lanka Missions Abroad in 2017 233 - 235 7. Consular activities carried out by Sri Lanka Missions Abroad - 236 - 238 2017 Vision To be a responsible nation within the international community and to maintain friendly relations with all countries. Mission The Promotion, Projection and Protection of Sri Lanka’s national interests internationally, in accordance with the foreign policy of the Government and to advise the Government on managing foreign relations in keeping with Sri Lanka’s national interests. Subjects and Functions of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Implementation of political plans and programmes in respect of Foreign Affairs; Representation of Sri Lanka abroad; International Agreements and Treaties; Foreign Government and international organization’s representation in Sri Lanka; External publicity; Diplomatic immunities and privileges and Consular functions.
    [Show full text]
  • Slovak Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Arrives in Sri Lanka on a Two Day Official Visit
    Slovak Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance arrives in Sri Lanka on a two day official visit Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance of the Slovak Republic Peter Kažimir arrived in Sri Lanka yesterday on a two day visit that will conclude on 29 March 2018. This is the first high level visit to Sri Lanka by a Slovak senior government official. The visiting Slovak dignitary is accompanied by a 22 member business delegation representing construction, electronics, energy, mining, ICT and security, hydrometeorology, defence and banking. The Slovak Republic is keen to expand its trade and investment portfolio in Sri Lanka, given the emerging opportunities as Sri Lanka develops into a commercial, financial and logistical hub in the Indian Ocean region. Mr. Kažimir today met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs Tilak Marapana, Minister of Finance Mangala Samaraweera, Industry and Commerce Minister Rishad Bathiudeen and State Minister for Finance and Mass Media Eran Wickramaratne. Senior officials of the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Finance and Industry and Commerce were present at the respective discussions. He is also scheduled to meet the State Minister for Defence Ruwan Wijewardene and the Governor of the Central Bank Indrajit Coomaraswamy prior to his departure on 29 March 2018. The Slovak Business delegation attended a Business Forum organized by the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce at the JAIC Hilton, Colombo. A Memorandum of Understanding between the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka and the Slovak Investment and Trade Development Agency was signed during this event. Ministry of Foreign Affairs Colombo 28 March 2018 .
    [Show full text]
  • Honourable Tilak Marapana Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of Development Assignments
    HONOURABLE TILAK MARAPANA MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND MINISTER OF DEVELOPMENT ASSIGNMENTS Tilak Marapana Tilak Janak Marapana, PC, MP is a Sri Lankan lawyer. He is the current Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Minister of Development of Assignments. He is a Member of Parliament Appointed from the national list and had served as Minister of Law and Order, Prison Reforms from September 2015 to November 2015. Earlier he was the Minister of Defence (2001 – 2003) and Minister of Transport, Highways and Aviation (2002 – 2004). He is the only non Presidential or Prime Ministerial holder of the portfolio of Defence. A lawyer by profession and a President’s Counsel, he had served as a government prosecutor in the Attorney General’s Department for twenty six years, serving as Solicitor General and Attorney General. Early life and education Mr. Marapana hails from Ratnapura, Sabaragamuwa, born in August 1942. He is the second son of former District Judge Mr. P. Marapana and has one brother Gamini Marapana, who is also a Presidents Counsel. He is an alumnus of S. Thomas' College, Mount Lavinia. He has a degree in Chemistry and Maths as well as a Law degree. Legal career Mr. Marapana joined the Attorney General's Department as a Crown Counsel in 1968. He served the Attorney Generals Dept as a State Counsel, Senior State Counsel and Deputy Solicitor General. In 1988 he was made a President's Counsel. In 1990 he was appointed Solicitor General and thereafter promoted as the Attorney General in 1992. He retired as Attorney General in 1994, following the change of the United National Party Government, reverting to the Unofficial Bar.
    [Show full text]
  • High Commission Pakistan 2019 New 2
    The weak and the defenseless in this News Letter world invite aggression from others. The best way we can serve peace is High Commission of Pakistan by removing the temptation from the Sri Lanka path of those who think we are weak Issued by the Press Wing, and, for that reason, they can bully or High Commission of Pakistan attack us. That temptation can only be removed if we make ourselves so Colombo – Sri Lanka Volume – 18 Issue - 02 strong that nobody dare entertain (July– December 2018) any aggressive designs against us. Pakistan has come to stay and no power on earth can destroy it. Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah High Commissioner delivered a lecture on CPEC High Commissioner of Pakistan, Dr. Shahid Ahmad Hashmat delivered a lecture on “China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC): A New Vision for Regional and Global Connectivity and Economic Cooperation” in a distinguished event organized by the Association of Retired Flag Rank Officers (ARFRO), Sri Lanka, held at Naval Headquarters on November 29, 2018. The event was attended by Commander of Sri Lanka Army, Lt. Gen. N.U.M.M.W. Senanayake, Commander of Sri Lanka Navy, Vice Admiral Sirimevan Ranasinghe, senior retired officers of Sri Lankan Armed Forces, students of Defence Command and Staff College and KDU and officials of the High Commission of Pakistan. The High Commissioner highlighted various aspects of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). He said that the Corridor is a framework of regional connectivity and will not only benefit China and Pakistan but will have positive impact on Iran, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, India, Central Asian Republics, and the region.
    [Show full text]
  • 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.
    [Show full text]
  • Minutes of Parliament Present
    (Eighth Parliament - First Session) No. 183. ] MINUTES OF PARLIAMENT Thursday, July 27, 2017 at 10.30 a. m. PRESENT : Hon. Thilanga Sumathipala, Deputy Speaker and Chairman of Committees Hon. Selvam Adaikkalanathan, Deputy Chairman of Committees Hon. Ranil Wickremesinghe, Prime Minister and Minister of National Policies and Economic Affairs Hon. (Mrs.) Thalatha Atukorale, Minister of Foreign Employment Hon. John Amaratunga, Minister of Tourism Development and Christian Religious Affairs Hon. Mahinda Amaraweera, Minister of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development and State Minister of Mahaweli Development Hon. (Dr.) Sarath Amunugama, Minister of Special Assignment Hon. Gayantha Karunatileka, Minister of Lands and Parliamentary Reforms and the Chief Government Whip Hon. Akila Viraj Kariyawasam, Minister of Education Hon. Lakshman Kiriella, Minister of Higher Education and Highways and Leader of the House of Parliament Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Minister of Sports Hon. Nimal Siripala de Silva, Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation Hon. S. B. Dissanayake, Minister of Social Empowerment, Welfare and Kandyan Heritage Hon. S. B. Nawinne, Minister of Internal Affairs, Wayamba Development and Cultural Affairs Hon. Gamini Jayawickrama Perera, Minister of Sustainable Development and Wildlife Hon. Harin Fernando, Minister of Telecommunication and Digital Infrastructure Hon. A. D. Susil Premajayantha, Minister of Science, Technology and Research Hon. Rishad Bathiudeen, Minister of Industry and Commerce ( 2 ) M. No. 183 Hon. (Mrs.) Chandrani Bandara, Minister of Women and Child Affairs Hon. Tilak Marapana, Minister of Development Assignments Hon. Anura Priyadharshana Yapa, Minister of Disaster Management Hon. Sagala Ratnayaka, Minister of Law and Order and Southern Development Hon. Arjuna Ranatunga, Minister of Petroleum Resources Development Hon. (Dr.) Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe, Minister of Justice and Minister of Buddhasasana Hon.
    [Show full text]
  • Minutes of Parliament for 21.05.2019
    (Eighth Parliament - Third Session ) No . 61 . ] MINUTES OF PARLIAMENT Tuesday, May 21, 2019 at 1.00 p. m. PRESENT ::: Hon. Karu Jayasuriya, Speaker Hon. J. M. Ananda Kumarasiri, Deputy Speaker and the Chair of Committees Hon. Selvam Adaikkalanathan, Deputy Chairperson of Committees Hon. Ranil Wickremesinghe, Prime Minister and Minister of National Policies, Economic Affairs, Resettlement & Rehabilitation, Northern Province Development and Youth Affairs Hon. (Mrs.) Thalatha Atukorale, Minister of Justice & Prison Reforms Hon. Wajira Abeywardana, Minister of Internal & Home Affairs and Provincial Councils & Local Government Hon. John Amaratunga, Minister of Tourism Development, Wildlife and Christian Religious Affairs Hon. Gayantha Karunatileka, Minister of Lands and Parliamentary Reforms and Chief Government Whip Hon. Ravi Karunanayake, Minister of Power, Energy and Business Development Hon. Akila Viraj Kariyawasam, Minister of Education Hon. Lakshman Kiriella, Minister of Public Enterprise, Kandyan Heritage and Kandy Development and Leader of the House of Parliament Hon. Mano Ganesan, Minister of National Integration, Official Languages, Social Progress and Hindu Religious Affairs Hon. Daya Gamage, Minister of Primary Industries and Social Empowerment Hon. Gamini Jayawickrama Perera, Minister of Buddhasasana & Wayamba Development Hon. Harin Fernando, Minister of Telecommunication, Foreign Employment and Sports Hon. Sajith Premadasa, Minister of Housing, Construction and Cultural Affairs Hon. (Mrs.) Chandrani Bandara, Minister of Women & Child Affairs and Dry Zone Development Hon. R. M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara, Minister of Public Administration & Disaster Management ( 2 ) M. No. 61 Hon. Rishad Bathiudeen, Minister of Industry & Commerce, Resettlement of Protracted Displaced Persons, Co -operative Development and Vocational Training & Skills Development Hon. Tilak Marapana, Minister of Foreign Affairs Hon. Sagala Ratnayaka, Minister of Ports & Shipping and Southern Development Hon.
    [Show full text]
  • MEDIA RELEASE Special Envoy of the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban
    MEDIA RELEASE Special Envoy of the Anti-personnel Mine Ban Convention HRH Prince Mired Al-Hussein to visit Sri Lanka At the invitation of the Government of Sri Lanka, the Special Envoy of the Anti- personnel Mine Ban Convention, Prince Mired Raad Zeid Al-Hussein of Jordan will undertake an official visit from 5 – 7 March 2018. The visit is of particular significance since Sri Lanka acceded to the Anti-personnel Mine Ban Convention on 13 December 2017 becoming its 163rd State Party. The ‘Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti- Personnel Mines and on Their Destruction’, typically referred to as the ‘Ottawa Convention’ or ‘Mine Ban Treaty’, seeks to end the use of anti-personnel landmines (APLs) worldwide. It was opened for signature on December 3, 1997, and it entered into force on March 1, 1999. Currently the convention has 164 state parties. During his visit to Sri Lanka, the Special Envoy will call on President Maithripala Sirisena, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and Foreign Minister Tilak Marapana. He is also scheduled to undertake a field visit to the Northern Province, accompanied by the Minister of Rehabilitation and Resettlement, D.M Swaminathan, where he will witness firsthand the mine clearance activities being carried out and interact with agencies that clear mines as well as landmine victims. The Special Envoy’s visit provides an opportunity for Sri Lanka to demonstrate the work that has been done so far in mine clearance, and plans to make the country mine free by the year 2020. In this context, the Special Envoy is expected to meet with the UN Country Team, civil society and other stakeholders to discuss further assistance for mine clearance and mine victims in Sri Lanka.
    [Show full text]
  • Minutes of Parliament Present
    (Eighth Parliament - Second Session) No. 32 ] MINUTES OF PARLIAMENT Wednesday, September 05, 2018 at 1.00 p.m. PRESENT : Hon. Karu Jayasuriya, Speaker Hon. J. M. Ananda Kumarasiri, Deputy Speaker and the Chair of Committees Hon. Selvam Adaikkalanathan, Deputy Chairperson of Committees Hon. Ranil Wickremesinghe, Prime Minister and Minister of National Policies and Economic Affairs Hon. (Mrs.) Thalatha Atukorale, Minister of Justice & Prison Reforms Hon. Wajira Abeywardana, Minister of Home Affairs Hon. Gayantha Karunatileka, Minister of Lands and Parliamentary Reforms and Chief Government Whip Hon. Akila Viraj Kariyawasam, Minister of Education Hon. Lakshman Kiriella, Minister of Public Enterprise & Kandy City Development and Leader of the House of Parliament Hon. Nimal Siripala de Silva, Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation Hon. Palany Thigambaram, Minister of Hill Country New Villages, Infrastructure and Community Development Hon. Navin Dissanayake, Minister of Plantation Industries Hon. S. B. Nawinne, Minister of Internal Affairs & Wayamba Development Hon. Gamini Jayawickrama Perera, Minister of Buddhasasana Hon. Harin Fernando, Minister of Telecommunication, Digital Infrastructure and Foreign Employment Hon. R. M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara, Minister of Public Administration & Management and Law & Order Hon. (Mrs.) Chandrani Bandara, Minister of Women and Child Affairs Hon. Tilak Marapana, Minister of Foreign Affairs Hon. Arjuna Ranatunga, Minister of Petroleum Resources Development ( 2 ) M. No. 32 Hon. Malik Samarawickrama, Minister of Development Strategies and International Trade Hon. D. M. Swaminathan, Minister of Resettlement, Rehabilitation, Northern Development & Hindu Religious Affairs Hon. Kabir Hashim, Minister of Highways & Road Development Hon. J. C. Alawathuwala, State Minister of Home Affairs Hon. Ranjith Aluvihare, State Minister of Tourism Development and Christian Religious Affairs Hon.
    [Show full text]
  • Annexure 2 Visits to India by Head of State/President
    ANNEXURE 2 VISITS TO INDIA BY HEAD OF STATE/PRESIDENT Dignitary / Country Period of visit 2014 1 King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck of Bhutan 6-10 Jan 2014 2 Ms. Park Geun-hye President of the Republic of Korea 15-18 Jan 2014 3 Dr. Ali Mohamed Shein, President of Zanzibar 1-9 Feb 2014 4 Mr. Joachim Gauck, President of the Federal Republic of Germany 4-9 Feb 2014 5 King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of Bahrain 18-20 Feb 2014 6 Mr. David Johnston, Governor General of Canada 22 Feb – 2 March 2014 7 Mr. Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom, President of Maldives 26 May 2014 8 Mr. Mahinda Rajapaksa, President of Sri Lanka 26 May 2014 9 Mr. Xi Jinping, President of China 17-19 Sept 2014 10 Mr. Paul Kagame, President of Rwanda 5 Nov 2014 11 Mr. Vladimir Putin, President of Russia 10-11 Dec 2014 12 Mr. Md. Abdul Hamid, President of Bangladesh 18-23 Dec 2014 2015 13 Mr. Barack H. Obama, President of the United States of America 25-27 Jan 2015 14 Mr. Tony Tan Keng Yam, President of Singapore 8-11 Feb 2015 15 Mr. Maithripala Sirisena, President of Sri Lanka 15-18 Feb 2015 16 Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Amir of Qatar 24-25 Mar 2015 17 Mr. Ashraf Ghani, President of Afghanistan 27-29 April 2015 18 Mr. Jakaya Kikwete, President of Tanzania 17-21 June 2015 19 Mr. Filipe Jacinto Nyusi, President of Mozambique 4-8 Aug 2015 20 Mr. Baron Divavesi Waqa, President of Nauru 21 Aug 2015 21 King Mswati III of Eswatini 26-29 Oct 2015 22 Mr.
    [Show full text]