Sri Lanka’s education policy strengthens understanding between different ethnic groups.

Sri Lanka has highlighted the importance of education as an essential tool in combating racism and racial discrimination. Intervening during an Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance at the on-going 23rd Session of the Human Rights Council, Assistant Director/Foreign Affairs Mr. Madhuka Wickramarachchi, observed that Sri Lanka’s education system which is founded on the principles of non-discrimination and equal rights for education have contributed positively in strengthening the understanding between different ethnic groups in Sri Lanka.

While noting that Sri Lanka introduced free education for all children from primary to university (tertiary) education in 1945, he underlined that it is compulsory by law for a child to get a school education in Sri Lanka and a duty is cast on all parents of a child of not less than five years and not more than 14 years, to enable such child to receive an education. Furthermore, in terms of Article 27 (2) of the Constitution of Sri Lanka, the state is pledged to the complete eradication of illiteracy and assurance to all persons of the right to universal and equal access to education at all levels.

MINISTER OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS  PROF. G.L. PEIRIS DISCUSSES SRI LANKAN ISSUES WITH FOREIGN MINISTER OF GERMANY

External Affairs Minister Professor G.L. Peiris, during his bilateral discussions in Berlin with Dr. Guido Westerwelle, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Republic of Germany, emphasized that conditions in Sri Lanka today are conducive to significant expansion of trade and investment relations between the two countries.  Germany, he pointed out, is the second largest investor from the European Union in Sri Lanka, a very significant source of tourism, and the largest source of grant and soft loan assistance from the European Union to Sri Lanka.  In these circumstances, it is important for Germany to be fully informed, Minister Peiris said, about current developments in Sri Lanka.

Senior Minister for Scientific Affairs, Prof Tissa Vitarana told the 16th Session of the Commission on Science and Technology for Development (CSTD) held in Geneva last week, that Sri Lanka which is now a middle income country expects to increase the contribution of high tech value added exports to the national economy from the present 1.5% to 10% by 2016 through the implementation of the National strategy for Science, Technology and Innovation. Revealing details of the national strategy he mentioned that in line with the target of doubling its per capita GDP to USD 4000 by 2016, the strategy is aimed at achieving effective social economic development, through research directed on national needs, use of advanced technologies and building a culture of techno – entrepreneurship between the public & private sector partnership.

The keynote address by Mr. K. Amunugama, Secretary of the Ministry of External Affairs at the event to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the founding of the Organization of African Unity (OAU)/African Union(AU) at Hotel Taj Samudra on 06th June 2013

“Sri Lanka’s expanding relations with Africa”

Good Evening!

Excellencies

Distinguished Guests

Ladies and Gentlemen

It is a great honour for me to address you on ‘Sri Lanka’s expanding relations with Africa’ at an event of celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the founding Organization of the African Unity which is now known as African Union (AU).

On behalf of the Government of Sri Lanka, I take this opportunity to convey our sincere best wishes for the 50th Anniversary of the African Union and wish every success in her future endeavors for the benefit of mankind, especially to the developing world.

When the Organization of the African Unity was established fifty years ago on 25th May 1963 with 32 signatory States, the principal objectives of the organization were to free the continent from the remainders of colonization and apartheid, promote unity and solidarity among African States, coordinate and intensify cooperation for development, to safeguard the sovereignty and territorial integrity of member states and to promote international cooperation within the framework of the United Nations.

The establishment of this unity organization added momentum to the progress of the newly independent nations of Africa in early 1960’s and the following decades. Taking in to account the present global scenario where nation states are moving more and more towards political and economic unions and multilateral partnerships, the decision of the African leaders to gather into a single Union as far back as 50 years ago was definitely far-sighted.

Today, we are happy to see the African Union diligently working towards realizing its vision: “An integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa, driven by its own citizens and representing a dynamic force in global arena.”

External Affairs Minister Professor G.L. Peiris had bilateral discussions with Mr. Murray McCully, Minister of Foreign Affairs of New Zealand, at his Ministry on Wednesday.

The Ministers discussed the arrangements being made by Sri Lanka to host the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Colombo in November this year, and the preparations for the three accompanying events ̶ the Business Forum, the Youth Forum and the People’s Forum.