PARLIAMENT

Though the country’s foreign policy may have debates within, Hon. Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunawardena pointed out that everyone must unite under one voice when representing the country internationally.

The Minister stated that manycountry’s including our neighboring country India represent their nation in one voice when in international platforms despite differences domestically.

Accordingly, the Minister also stated that he is hopeful that all parties will unite in representing the country’s foreign policy internationally as one nation.

The Minister stated the above on the 12th of February 2021 addressing the Consultative Committee on Foreign Ministry.

At the Committee, when taking up the last meeting progress regarding the repatriation of Sri Lankan refugees in India, a concern raised by Hon. Member of Parliament Charles Nirmalanathan, the Foreign Secretary Admiral Prof. Jayanath Colombage stated that there are number of camps for asylum seekers in India.

He stated that more than 50,000 asylum seekers are in the camps of Tamil Nadu. He also pointed out that there are also people outside these camps whilst measures have been taken to repatriate considerable number back to Sri Lanka.

Whilst stating that the Indian Government is providing the refugees located within the camps for food, shelter, medication, education and the basic needs and welfare and is also being monitored by the Sri Lanka Deputy High Commission in Chennai. The matter is also being followed on a priority basis by the Foreign Ministry amidst the COVID-19 pandemic situation. In light of the situation, Hon. (Dr.) Suren Raghavan thanked the Foreign Minister’s efforts.

The Minister Dinesh Gunawardena also announced to the committee that in accordance with the proposal made by the Ministry, approval has been granted for the establishment of embassies in Spain, Romania. In addition, approval has also been granted for the establishment of a consulate general office in Madagascar and to establish diplomatic relations in Liechtenstein.

When inquired regarding the progress governing the presence of Indian fishing vessels in the Sri Lankan waters and its impact upon the local fishermen, the Minister stated that a special discussion will continue with the Indian embassy and in resolving the matter.

The Ministerial Consultative Committee on Foreign chaired by Hon. Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunawardena was attended by the Hon. State Minister Tharaka Balasuriya and Hon. Members of Parliament Harsha de Silva, Dilan Perera, Dr. Suren Raghavan, Chandima Weerakkody, Gamini Waleboda, Yadamini Gunawardena, Charles Nirmalanathan, Sivagnanam Shritharan, Diana Gamage, Shanakiyan Rasamanickam and many officials of the Foreign Ministry.