The European Commission, the legislative body of the European Union, has granted GSP Plus status to Sri Lanka, giving the country access to the EU market under the special scheme starting Friday. In January the EC had noted that it had received a GSP Plus request from Sri Lanka.
Having received his appointment from President Maithripala Sirisena on Monday 22 May 2017, as the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ravi Karunanayake assumed duties at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs yesterday morning, Thursday, 25 May 2017. Foreign Minister Ravi Karunanayake was received at the Ministry, by the Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Esala Weerakoon, senior staff of the Ministry, Ministers including the former Minister of Foreign Affairs and present Minister of Finance & Media Mangala Samaraweera, Parliamentarians and well-wishers.
Federal Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel has sent a letter to the new Sri Lankan Minister of Foreign Affairs Ravi Karunanayake, congratulating him to his appointment as Minister of Foreign Affairs. “Over the past years our two countries have further enhanced their relations on a broad range of issues,” the Federal Foreign Minister writes. “And just this April generously hosted our regional Indian Ocean Ambassadors Conference. Together we successfully campaigned for the reintroduction of the EU trade preferences for Sri Lanka. Germany has for many years made vocational training for young people in your country a priority. We will continue to support your country’s efforts towards national reconciliation. I look forward to working with you to further the close cooperation between Germany and Sri Lanka. I wish you a sure hand and every success in your new post.”
Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier has written a telegram to the President of Sri Lanka Maithripala Sirisena to express his condolences on occasion of the floods and landslides, which took place last week on the shining island. “I am greatly saddened to learn that once again serious flooding in your country has claimed the lives of so many people,” the Federal President writes. “Permit me, also on behalf of my fellow Germans, to offer you my sincere condolences. Please also convey our sympathy to the families of the victims. I hope that all those who have been injured will make a swift recovery. Our hearts also go out to those who have lost their livelihoods as a result of this natural disaster. Likewise, our thoughts are with the helpers who are looking after people in the affected areas.”
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe yesterday (5th June) addressed the United Nations Ocean Conference being held in New York from 5th – 9th June. In his address, the Premier assured fullest support from Sri Lanka to the efforts taken by all states in achieving Sustainable Development Goals. Subsequent to his address, the Prime Minister met Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland, who conveyed her wishes to him.