Federal Foreign Minister congratulates Sri Lankan Foreign Minister
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.
Foreign Minister Ravi Karunanayake on his first visit overseas as Minister of Foreign Affairs, called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and held discussions with External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj yesterday, 6 June 2017. On his part, Karunanayake thanked Modi for India's quick assistance in the aftermath of the recent floods and landslides. He will have discussions today with Foreign Secretary S. Jaishankar and others before returning to Colombo tonight.
The floods and landsclides which caused damage to lives and properties in some parts of the country have spared the tourist areas of Sri Lanka. The floods and landslides have affected only the interior parts of some districts of Sri Lanka. Key tourist areas patronized by foreigners, namely the coastal belt of the South, East and West, the sacred city of Kandy, the cultural triangle and the commercial city of Colombo are not affected and easily accessible by road. Tourist hotels in the country are fully operational. Travelling is safe in Sri Lanka during this period, but tourists should be cautious if travelling to flood-affected areas of the country.