Commonwealth Business Forum

The Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka

to the United Nations in New York Hosts a Well Attended Reception

The Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka to the United Nations hosted a well-attended reception today on the upcoming Commonwealth Business Forum (CBF) in Sri Lanka. Guests were treated to a range of Sri Lankan food, music and a video on Sri Lanka.

The CBF, which is held alongside the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting, draws on a range of investors and business people from over 54 members of the commonwealth and other countries. Over 200 guests attended the reception including executives of leading NY based financial institutions, General Managers of trading companies, television personalities, philanthropists and New York City fashion icons.

The Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka, H.E. Dr. Palitha Kohona, welcoming the gathering said that “The Commonwealth Business Forum brings together the captains of business from Commonwealth countries as well as others. In a globalized world such fora provide dynamic opportunities for further expanding trade and investment. Sri Lanka also hopes that business will use the occasion tobecome more familiar with the rapidly growing and lucrative Sri Lankan economy and the other economies of the region.” He also highlighted the ICT, aviation, shipping, commercial and energy opportunities emerging in our strategically located island home.

The Commonwealth Business Forum (CBF) is scheduled to take place in Colombo, Sri Lanka on 12-14 November 2013 on the sidelines of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM).

External Affairs Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris had discussions at Marlborough House in London with Mr. Kamalesh Sharma, Secretary General of the Commonwealth, about the arrangements well under way for the meeting of Commonwealth Heads of Government in Sri Lanka in November this year.

Minister Peiris also briefed the Secretary General regarding the government’s plans for three other major events on the sidelines of the Summit ̶  the Business Forum in Colombo, the Youth Forum in Hambantota and the People’s Forum in Dambulla.

Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner in the United Kingdom, Dr. Chris Nonis, attended the discussion.

PRESIDENT OF THE SPANISH SENATE COMMENDS SRI LANKA’S DEVELOPMENT:

Minister Dinesh Gunawardena strengthens Sri Lanka-Spain ties

The President of the Senate of Spain, Pio Garcia Escudero commended the rapid growth and development taking place across Sri Lanka and hailed the cordial ties that exist between Spain and Sri Lanka, during his meeting with the Minister of Water Supply and Drainage and Chief Government Whip, Dinesh Gunawardena in Madrid, Spain.

Minister Gunawardena who is also the President of the Sri Lanka-Spain Parliamentary Friendship Association noted Sri Lanka’s economic growth rate as being one of the fastest in Asia, and highlighted several areas of cooperation that have hitherto remained untouched and could be further strengthened given the potential of Spain, which is the second largest country in Europe.

He identified the spheres of water supply, solar power, solid waste management and desalinization as well as wind energy as some of the sectors in which cooperation could be enhanced between the two countries. Apprising the President of the Senate on the various projects already implemented in Sri Lanka since the end of the conflict, Minister Gunawardena praised the efforts undertaken by Spain to assist Sri Lanka at varying times in the past, especially after the tsunami.

On the occasion of the Sinhala & Tamil New Year, the Sri Lanka Embassy organized a day-long celebration at the Embassy premises on 14th April providing fun, happiness for a large gathering of Sri Lankans. The celebration began with the hoisting of the national flag followed by the singing of national anthem and lighting of the ceremonial oil lamp. A pot of milk was boiled to mark this auspicious occasion.

H.E. the Ambassador Mr. C A H M Wijeratne expressed his appreciation each and everybody present for their contribution to make the event happened.

As part of the festivities a variety of sporting events including musical chairs, singing competition, blowing of balloons, and other fun activities were the most attracted among participants. Another important feature of the day's programme was the "New Year Beauty Queen Contest" in which the inmates clad in national costumes took part in a dress parade. The winners of all events were awarded valuable gifts with the courtesy of Kuwait Airways, and other well-wishers in Kuwait.

His Excellency Dr Abdullah Ensour

Prime Minister of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan

Excellency,

The Government and the people of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka join me in conveying to Your Excellency our warm congratulations on your assumption of the high office of the Prime Minister of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.

You appointment is a strong reflection of the confidence placed in your ability emanating from long years of experience in government and in interactional diplomacy.

I am confident that the long standing friendship and good cooperation which exist between Sri Lanka and Jordan will be deepened under your able leadership. I look forward very much to working with Your Excellency in this regard.

Please accept, Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration and warmest good wishes for every success during your Premiership.

Mahinda Rajapaksa

April 12, 2013

Ministry of External Affairs,

Republic Building,

Colombo 01.