Results: 56

Sri Lanka could accept international actors in war crimes probe

Sri Lanka could accept international actors in war crimes probe

Sri Lanka’s foreign minister said on Thursday he is willing to consider international participation in investigating possible war crimes during the 26-year Tamil insurgency. MORE...

February 26, 2016  07:54 am|

Neo-fascists opposing closer India-Sri Lanka ties - Mangala

Neo-fascists opposing closer India-Sri Lanka ties - Mangala

Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera has criticised “neo-fascists” in Sri Lanka for opposing closer ties with India. MORE...

February 2, 2016  08:06 am|

SL to sign convention of protection from enforced disappearances

SL to sign convention of protection from enforced disappearances

Today Sri Lanka will sign the International Convention for the protection of all persons from enforced disappearances, Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera said. MORE..

December 10, 2015  06:25 pm|

New electoral system based on German Model - Mangala

New electoral system based on German Model - Mangala

The government today said that it is laying the groundwork for a new constitution, including a new electoral system based on what is popularly known in Sri Lanka as the German Model. MORE..

September 22, 2015  12:36 pm|

Sri Lanka’s domestic mechanism to be finalised by January

Sri Lanka’s domestic mechanism to be finalised by January

Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera says that the setting up of a four-tier domestic mechanism to investigate allegations of human rights violations will be finalised by January 2016 and implemented within 18 months. MORE..

September 17, 2015  04:47 pm|

NZ welcomes reconciliation moves in Sri Lanka

NZ welcomes reconciliation moves in Sri Lanka

New Zealand Foreign Minister Murray McCully has welcomed the Sri Lankan Government’s announcement it will establish a Truth & Reconciliation Commission to help the country recover from its decades-long civil war. MORE...

September 16, 2015  12:01 pm|

Tamils reject govt’s wartime truth commission, demand international inquiry?

Tamils reject govt’s wartime truth commission, demand international inquiry?

Sri Lanka’s minority Tamils has rejected government plans for a truth commission to promote reconciliation after decades of ethnic war, insisting on an international inquiry, the AFP news agency reported. MORE...

September 15, 2015  06:19 pm|

Government holds a double standard: Gammanpila

Government holds a double standard: Gammanpila

The government holds a double standard in dealing with the international community and the public with respect to the probe on alleged war crimes investigation, leader of the Pivithuru Hela Urumaya Udaya Gammanpila says. MORE...

September 15, 2015  05:00 pm|

New constitution, amendments to penal code; steps to create a new Sri Lanka: Mangala

New constitution, amendments to penal code; steps to create a new Sri Lanka: Mangala

“The best guarantee for non-recurrence is of course a political settlement that addresses the grievances of the Tamil people. We hope that we can achieve this through the adoption of a new Constitution,” Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera said. MORE...

September 14, 2015  03:41 pm|

Mangala holds talks with UN rights chief

Mangala holds talks with UN rights chief

Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera and Justice Minister Wijedasa Rajapakse have held discussions with UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein. MORE...

September 14, 2015  10:31 am|

Sri Lanka set to announce reconciliation plans

Sri Lanka set to announce reconciliation plans

Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera would make a statement in Geneva on Monday, the inaugural day of the the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC)’s three-week-long session. MORE...

September 13, 2015  11:25 am|

UN probe report handed over to govt

UN probe report handed over to govt

The UN probe report on alleged war crimes committed during the final phase of Sri Lankan military’s battle against the LTTE has been handed over to the government. MORE..

September 12, 2015  04:49 pm|

New Government will work closely with all partners, says Mangala

New Government will work closely with all partners, says Mangala

The new Government will work closely with all its partners to ensure a stable and secure atmosphere for sustainable economic prosperity for all people, Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera has said. MORE...

August 30, 2015  05:30 pm|

US backs Sri Lanka’s domestic probe

US backs Sri Lanka’s domestic probe

The United States said Wednesday that it wants to sponsor a resolution at next month’s U.N. human rights session that is supportive of Sri Lanka’s government, which wants to conduct its own investigation into alleged war crimes. MORE..

August 26, 2015  02:31 pm|

Nobody expects miracles from Sri Lanka – US

Nobody expects miracles from Sri Lanka – US

The Sri Lankan Government on Tuesday outlined the measures being taken to address concerns regarding alleged human rights violations including through independent domestic mechanisms, during a high-level discussion with a visiting US delegation. MORE..

August 25, 2015  01:34 pm|

Biswal’s visit hastens swearing-in of three key Ministers

Biswal’s visit hastens swearing-in of three key Ministers

The visit of Nisha Biswal, US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia on Tuesday to discuss the UN Human Rights Commissioner’s report on war crimes in Sri Lanka, has hastened the swearing-in of Mangala Samaraweera as Foreign Minister; Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe as Justice Minister; and D.M.Swaminathan as Resettlement Minister. MORE...

August 25, 2015  07:52 am|

Gota could lose civil rights in ‘MiG deal’ probe - Mangala

Gota could lose civil rights in ‘MiG deal’ probe - Mangala

Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera today welcomed the the US State Department report which had revealed the existence of the LTTE’s financial network and said that it reflected the “failure” of the former government. MORE..

June 24, 2015  05:01 pm|

Mangala concludes Japan tour

Mangala concludes Japan tour

Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera, who undertook a visit to Japan on the invitation of his Japanese counterpart, Minister for Foreign Affairs Fumio Kishida, concluded his tour successfully, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said. MORE...

June 21, 2015  10:01 am|

We have to rise above hatred and feelings of vengeance - Mangala

We have to rise above hatred and feelings of vengeance - Mangala

The Sri Lankan government pursues a policy of engagement, dialogue and cooperation with all countries and international organisations and will remain open to the ideas of others, their views and opinions, says the country’s foreign minister. MORE..

June 20, 2015  12:02 pm|

No discussion on LTTE ban at TNA-GTF meet: Mangala

No discussion on LTTE ban at TNA-GTF meet: Mangala

Sri Lanka’s Foreign Minister says that topics such as lifting the proscription of the LTTE or war crimes allegations did not feature in his recent discussion with the Global Tamil Forum and the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) in London. MORE..

June 13, 2015  12:51 am|

Govt’s immediate priority to reset investment climate - Mangala

Govt’s immediate priority to reset investment climate - Mangala

Sri Lanka’s foreign minister says that with relatively well developed infrastructure and human capital, the government’s immediate priority is to reset the investment climate by making Sri Lanka a secure, efficient and competitive investment destination in South Asia. MORE..

May 23, 2015  10:56 am|

Sri Lanka briefs diplomats on moves to restore democracy

Sri Lanka briefs diplomats on moves to restore democracy

Sri Lanka has briefed diplomats based in the country on moves to restore democracy, the Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday. MORE..

May 14, 2015  11:58 am|

Govt. briefs envoys on moves to restore democracy

Govt. briefs envoys on moves to restore democracy

Sri Lanka has briefed diplomats based in the country on moves to restore democracy in the country, the foreign ministry said. The ministry of foreign affairs also said it has decided to have regular briefings for diplomats and the media based in Sri Lanka. MORE...

May 14, 2015  07:49 am|

UPDATE: Over 250 Sri Lankans evacuated in Qatar fire

UPDATE: Over 250 Sri Lankans evacuated in Qatar fire

Over 250 Sri Lankans evacuated unharmed after a fire broke out today in a dormitory in Qatar, Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera said. MORE..

May 9, 2015  03:42 pm|

Mahinda rejects Mangala allegations

Mahinda rejects Mangala allegations

Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa today denied allegations by Foreign Minister Mangala Samarweera that he had siphoned off state monies during his tenure and that his family held assets worth US$18 billion overseas. MORE...

May 8, 2015  03:26 pm|

Sri Lanka sets September date for war crimes probe

Sri Lanka sets September date for war crimes probe

Sri Lanka’s new government yesterday said an investigation into allegations of war crimes would begin by September, amid international pressure to account for atrocities committed during the island’s decades-long separatist conflict. MORE...

May 8, 2015  08:15 am|

To restore democracy, the US will always stand with SL- Kerry

To restore democracy, the US will always stand with SL- Kerry

In order to restore democracy, the American people will stand with Sri Lanka, thus, the US will establish an annual partnership dialogue with the island nation, US Secretary of State John Kerry said.

May 2, 2015  12:02 pm|

Kerry’s Sri Lanka visit to ‘show US support’

Kerry’s Sri Lanka visit to ‘show US support’

Top US diplomat John Kerry left early Friday on a landmark trip to Sri Lanka, the first such visit in a decade to the Indian Ocean island as it returns to the diplomatic fold. MORE..

May 1, 2015  02:36 pm|

Myanmar releases 17 Sri Lankan fishermen on Presidential pardon

Myanmar releases 17 Sri Lankan fishermen on Presidential pardon

Seventeen Sri Lankan fishermen who were in custody in Myanmar on charges of breaching International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) have been released following a Presidential pardon. MORE..

April 30, 2015  04:08 pm|

Sri Lanka vows to remedy root causes of terrorism

Sri Lanka vows to remedy root causes of terrorism

The Sri Lankan Government today vowed to remedy the root causes of injustice, discrimination and prejudice that have spawned hate and violence for many decades in the country. MORE..

April 2, 2015  12:59 pm|

Govt to evacuate Sri Lankans in Yemen

Govt  to evacuate Sri Lankans in Yemen

The Government today said that it is making arrangements to evacuate all Sri Lankans in Yemen, considering the prevailing volatile situation in the Arab nation. MORE..

April 1, 2015  07:09 pm|

Pablo de Greiff to visit Sri Lanka today

Pablo de Greiff to visit Sri Lanka today

UN Special Rapporteur on Truth, Justice, Reparations, and Guarantees of Non-recurrence, Pablo de Greiff, will arrive in Sri Lanka for a six-day visit, the Foreign Affairs Ministry said on Sunday (29). MORE...

March 29, 2015  12:06 pm|

President Sirisena leaves for Beijing

President Sirisena leaves for Beijing

President Maithripala Sirisena today left for Beijing commencing a four-day state visit on the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping. MORE..

March 25, 2015  02:10 pm|

Mangala is ‘a liar’ – Tamara

Mangala is ‘a liar’ – Tamara

Sri Lanka’s former Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Tamara Kunanayakam, today accused Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera of playing on racist and chauvinist anti-Tamil sentiment and termed him as “unsuitable” to represent the country internationally. MORE..

March 21, 2015  05:53 pm|

We are going after Rajapaksa’s stolen assets: Mangala

We are going after Rajapaksa’s stolen assets: Mangala

The Sri Lankan government has asked India to help with its investigation against the former regime of Mahinda Rajapaksa for alleged corruption, Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera told The Hindu. MORE..

March 14, 2015  11:30 am|

India, Sri Lanka mull resuming ferry services

India, Sri Lanka mull resuming ferry services

Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Saturday discussed with her Sri Lankan counterpart Mangala Samaraweera the possibility of resuming ferry services between the two countries, The Hindu reported. MORE..

March 7, 2015  04:04 pm|

Sushma says India, Sri Lanka destinies intertwined

Sushma says India, Sri Lanka destinies intertwined

Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, who is here on a two-day official visit ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s arrival next week, said India and Sri Lanka were bound by ties of history, geography and culture, and their destinies were intertwined. MORE..

March 7, 2015  01:12 pm|

DMK urges Modi to ensure ‘harsh comments’ are not made

DMK urges Modi to ensure ‘harsh comments’ are not made

Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) leader TKS Elangovan on Saturday said that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi must discuss the fishermen issue with Sri Lanka and ensure that such harsh comments are not made from the other side in near future. MORE..

March 7, 2015  11:29 am|

President leaves for London on a three-day visit

President leaves for London on a three-day visit

President Maithripala Sirisena accompanied by First Lady Jayanthi Sirisena today left for the United Kingdom on a three-day official visit. MORE..

March 7, 2015  10:34 am|

Sushma Swaraj arrives in Sri Lanka

Sushma Swaraj arrives in Sri Lanka

Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj arrived in the island today on a two-day official visit, in preparation for Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit later this month. MORE..

March 6, 2015  05:04 pm|

UPDATE: Mangala slams ex-government’s policy

UPDATE: Mangala slams ex-government’s policy

“With the previous government choosing to operate with a sense of impunity, opportunities for reconciliation and restoration of human rights suffered,” Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera said. The observation was made at the 28th Regular Session of Human Rights Council in Geneva, this afternoon. MORE...

March 2, 2015  06:33 pm|

Govt. seeks foreign help in corruption probe

Govt. seeks foreign help in corruption probe

The government said that it has sought assistance from India, the US and Britain to help investigate financial fraud allegations against the former government. MORE...

March 2, 2015  12:19 pm|

Indian FM to visit Sri Lanka this week

Indian FM to visit Sri Lanka this week

Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj will arrive in Sri Lanka on a two-day official visit on March 6 to pave way for Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the island nation in mid March, the foreign ministry officials said Sunday. MORE...

March 1, 2015  05:03 pm|

Minister Mangala to meet Zeid tomorrow

Minister Mangala to meet Zeid tomorrow

Foreign Minister Mangala Samaweera will travel to Geneva to attend the High-Level Segment of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) to be held on March 2nd, 2015. MORE...

March 1, 2015  11:31 am|

Mangala concludes China tour

Mangala concludes China tour

Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera concluded a successful two-day official visit to China today, during which he paid a courtesy call on the Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and also held extensive bilateral discussions with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi. MORE...

March 1, 2015  10:47 am|

China formally backs trilateral partnership with India, Sri Lanka

China formally backs trilateral partnership with India, Sri Lanka

China on Friday formally backed a trilateral partnership with India and Sri Lanka to establish a Maritime Silk Road (MSR) and promote the rise of Eurasia. MORE..

February 28, 2015  10:37 am|

Sri Lanka says China to be consulted on any project re-think

Sri Lanka says China to be consulted on any project re-think

Sri Lanka will not make any decision on Chinese projects it is reviewing until it consults China, Sri Lanka’s foreign minister said on Friday, pledging that his new government would welcome Chinese investors. MORE..

February 27, 2015  05:53 pm|

Mangala starts China tour

Mangala starts China tour

Foreign minister Mangala Samaraweera left for a two day visit to China in a bid to strengthen relations, an official said here on Wednesday. MORE...

February 26, 2015  08:04 am|

Sri Lanka to discuss domestic probe with UN

Sri Lanka to discuss domestic probe with UN

Sri Lanka’s government will next month look to win United Nations backing for a domestic probe into allegations of human rights violations during the final stage of the war, an official said today. MORE..

February 21, 2015  11:39 pm|

New Govt ends US lobbying contracts

New Govt ends US lobbying contracts

In a sign of improving relations with the U.S., Sri Lanka has terminated lobbying contracts worth tens of thousands of dollars a month that the previous government had signed to help it win friends in Washington amid war crimes allegations, the nation’s ambassador says. MORE..

February 21, 2015  10:36 am|

Goverment says foreign minister’s U.S. visit successful

Goverment says foreign minister’s U.S. visit successful

The Sri Lankan government on Sunday said the just-concluded visit to the United States by Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera was successful. MORE...

February 15, 2015  05:36 pm|

US hails post-election human rights climate in Sri Lanka

US hails post-election human rights climate in Sri Lanka

Samantha Power, the American ambassador to the United Nations, said on Saturday that it is “remarkable” to see the changed human rights climate in Sri Lanka, following the Presidential Election in January. MORE..

February 14, 2015  02:21 pm|

Mangala meets U.N. chief, urges war crimes report delay

Mangala meets U.N. chief, urges war crimes report delay

Sri Lanka’s foreign minister met with U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Friday, and U.N. diplomatic sources said he pressed his government’s desire to delay the release of a U.N. report on alleged war crimes during his country’s civil war. MORE..

February 14, 2015  08:03 am|

Sri Lanka to strengthen ‘special friendship’ with China

Sri Lanka to strengthen ‘special friendship’ with China

Describing the bilateral relations between China and Sri Lanka as a ‘special friendship,’ Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe expressed his desire to closely engage with the Chinese Government. MORE..

February 7, 2015  02:33 pm|

US security adviser Rice pledges help for Sri Lanka ‘transition’

US security adviser Rice pledges help for Sri Lanka ‘transition’

The United States pledged on Friday to assist Sri Lanka’s new government in creating a more open and democratic society. MORE..

February 7, 2015  10:08 am|

EU ban on fish imports from Sri Lanka not revoked

EU ban on fish imports from Sri Lanka not revoked

The European Union (EU) Thursday said the ban on fish import from Sri Lanka has not been lifted. MORE...

February 5, 2015  02:50 pm|

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