SRI LANKA – EU TRADE REINFORCED IN FRANCE: NEW INITIATIVES LAUNCHED

Several new initiatives were launched and trade between Sri Lanka and France boosted on the occasion of the visit of a Trade Delegation from Sri Lanka which was facilitated by the European Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka (ECCSL), in association with the Embassy of Sri Lanka in France and the Embassy of France in Sri Lanka.

The delegation visited France on 22 nd February 2013 and held several rounds of discussions, which commenced with a Breakfast meeting at the Embassy in Paris.

On 18th February 2013, the Joint Readmission Committee(JRC) under the EU – Sri Lanka Readmission Agreement convened its first meeting in Colombo, since the signing of the Agreement in June 2004 and its entry into force on 1st May 2005.

The Agreement between the European Community and Sri Lanka on the readmission of persons residing without authorization is an indication of the commitment of both parties to effectively combat illegal migration, including human trafficking and related criminal activities and to establish streamlined procedures for the safe and orderly return of persons who do not satisfy the criteria to remain on the territories of Sri Lanka or the EU member countries.  

Sri Lanka Embassy in Kuwait Celebrate the 65th Independence Day in Sri Lanka

The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Kuwait celebrated Sri Lanka’s 65th Independence Day on 4th February 2013 at the Chancery in Jabriya.   Ambassador C A H M Wijeratne and the staff of the Embassy observed the event with  religious observances which included Buddhist, Hindu, Muslim & Christian prayer services.

The ceremony began with hoisting of the National flag by the Ambassador followed by signing of the National Anthem. Two minutes silent was observed remembering the scarifies made by the war heroes.  The Independence Day messages from President Mahinda Rajapaksa, Prime Minister  D.M. Jayarathne and  External Affairs Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris  were  read.  While delivering  the  Independence Day message, the Ambassador commended the Sri Lankans in Kuwait for their contributions made towards development of the country.

Embassy of Sri Lanka

State of Kuwait

05.02.2013

We Sri Lankans who have sacrificed immensely to ensure the sovereignty of the nation, celebrate this 65th National Independence Day with utmost pride.

The nation has embarked on a path of development which has made freedom really meaningful.  This is a very difficult and challenging task, the fulfillment of which would bring both justice and prosperity to the nation.  The time has now dawned when you and your children need not to think with fear and suspicion about the future.

We have acted with a firm commitment to defeat local and foreign forces ranged against the country.  Even when the leadership is faced with difficult and challenging situations we have a principled commitment not to betray the country.  In doing so, we derive immense strength from the enormous cooperation we receive from the people.

Unity among communities and religious harmony are vital factors for the development of the country.  Divisions among us will strengthen various hostile forces seeking to deny us our freedom.  When all communities rise in unity, the forces hostile to the country will be weakened and freedom further strengthened.  We celebrate the 65th anniversary of independence with firm determination and clear commitment to national unity.

We salute and pay our homage to all patriots who have made the supreme sacrifice to safeguard the freedom and sovereignty of the nation.