75 years of SL – US Diplomatic Relations, commemorated in Washington D.C.
The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Washington D.C. on 27 September 2023 held a reception including a series of cultural performances to celebrate the 75th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic relations between Sri Lanka and the United States of America.
The event was held under the patronage of Chief Guest, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Sri Lanka M.U.M. Ali Sabry. Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the United States Mahinda Samarasinghe, the host on the occasion, welcomed the guests – special invitees from the U.S. government including the White House, Departments of State, Defense, Treasury, Commerce, the IMF/World Bank, members of the diplomatic corps and members of the Sri Lankan community, represented by several associations from the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia, among other guests.
In his opening remarks, Ambassador Samarasinghe stated that the relationship between the U.S.A. and (then) Ceylon preceded the attainment of Independence in 1948. He traced significant developments in the friendship up to the present day. Looking forward to the future, he expressed the hope that the relationship would grow stronger in the years to come.
Counselor of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Clinton D. White traced the history of development cooperation between Sri Lanka and USAID with the assistance to the country dating back to 1956. The Counselor, who represented USAID Administrator Samantha Power, outlined the manifold sectors in which USAID is active in Sri Lanka and also looked to enhancing cooperation to enable the country to address and overcome the current economic challenges.
On behalf of the U.S. Department of State Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Ambassador Donald Lu stated that the young people of both societies would help to grow the bilateral relationship by ensuring enhanced understanding and goodwill in the future.
Guest of Honour, United States Senator for Maryland and Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chris Van Hollen reflected on his personal ties to Sri Lanka and expressed appreciation for the contributions of Sri Lankan Americans to the United States. He recalled his recent visit to the island and hoped that the multi-dimensional relations would continue to flourish.
The keynote speech was delivered by the Chief Guest, Foreign Minister M.U.M. Ali Sabry who expressed appreciation for the support extended to Sri Lanka by many agencies of the U.S. government. The minister noted that year 2023 was also the 75th anniversary of independence from colonial rule. He outlined national priorities ranging from economic recovery to reconciliation and the positive contribution made by the United States in many of these spheres over time. He concluded by proposing a toast to the further enhancement of diplomatic relations between Sri Lanka and the United States.
The guests and invitees were treated to a range of performances that exemplify the vibrant cultural diversity of Sri Lanka. It was led by a Sri Lankan artiste of renown Jananath Warakagoda and his team, Natamu School of Traditional Sri Lankan Dance led by Chathuri Wickramaarachchi, Serendib Dance led by Asanga Domask, and dancer Achila Perera, whose performances captivated the audience.
The Sri Lankan Embassy in Washington D.C. is grateful to the generous support extended by the Joint Apparel Association Forum Sri Lanka (JAAFSL), principal among several other sponsors, who supported the event as well as the publication of a commemorative souvenir to mark the 75th anniversary. The generosity and contribution from all, including from many Sri Lankan Americans, enabled the embassy to organize and conduct these events without cost to the government.
The year 2023, during which many events were held to celebrate the special friendship, has been a productive one for the development of bilateral ties.
(Embassy of Sri Lanka, Washington D.C.)
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‘Edmund’s Newspaper Revolution’ launched (Pics)
The publication titled ‘Edmund’s Newspaper Revolution’, a compilation of senior journalist – Mr. Edmund Ranasinghe’s seven decades of dedicated media work, was launched at the Presidential Secretariat today (03).
Attending the event, President Ranil Wickremesinghe lauded Mr. Ranasinghe (93), the founding Editor and Editorial Director of the ‘Divaina’ newspaper, as a trailblazer who catalysed transformative changes in Sri Lankan journalism. He also highlighted that Mr. Edmund Ranasinghe’s contributions to the media, spanning seven decades, played a pivotal role in advancing Sri Lankan society, economy and politics. Furthermore, President Wickremesinghe underscored the importance of exploring how artificial intelligence can enhance the field of media art to create more effective media outlets.
This event also marked the inauguration of a program initiated by President Ranil Wickremesinghe to pay tribute to senior journalists who have made significant contributions to the field of journalism in the country.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe emphasized that all media outlets, including social media, should engage in a discussion regarding whether to enter into international agreements or adhere to the country’s legal framework.
“Journalism, once reliant on lead type, has evolved to include tools like the iPad. The capacity to swiftly access knowledge, even within a venerable institution like the Lake House Institute, has been realized through technological advancements. Consequently, technology has become an invaluable tool for advancing the field of journalism. Nevertheless, media in any country must operate within the framework of its own laws. The advent of social media has led to a situation where some entities publish content according to their own whims, circumventing established regulations. This raises a crucial question: should there be a dialogue regarding whether all media, including social media, should adhere to international agreements or abide by their respective national laws? Often, many concur with European legislation. Currently, newspapers and journals worldwide are either changing ownership or considering transferring to investors. The future of media art will undoubtedly unfold in the coming two or three years and expertise in this domain may emerge not just from New York but also from Sri Lanka,” the President added.
The book ‘Edmund’s Newspaper Revolution,’ is authored by Presidential Senior Adviser Prof. Sunanda Madduma Bandara and edited by Presidential Media Director Mr. W. M. K. Wijebandara and Deputy Media Director Deepti Adhikari.
The event was compered by the Chairman of the Sri Lanka Foundation Institute – Senior Journalist Saman Athaudahetti.
A host of notable figures, including Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, Minister of Mass Media Dr. Bandula Gunawardena, State Minister of Mass Media Shanta Bandara, Member of Parliament, Attorney Premanath C. Dolowatta, President’s Senior Adviser on National Security and Chief of Presidential Staff Sagala Ratnayaka, President’s Senior Adviser on Climate Change Ruwan Wijewardena, President’s Secretary Saman Ekanayake, Secretary of the Ministry of Mass Media Anusha Palpita, Government Information Director General Dinith Chinthaka Karunaratne, and a multitude of journalists attended the event.
(Excerpts : PMD)
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4 fmr. SL Presidents join reception marking 74th anniversary of the People’s Republic of China (Pics)
Chinese ambassador – Mr. Qi Zhenhong says that China “will continue to firmly support Sri Lanka in pursuing a development path that suits its own national conditions, getting rid of the “poverty trap” and the “trap of non-development”, and safeguarding its independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity and national dignity.”
10th anniversary of BRI
Speaking yesterday (28) at the reception to mark the 74th anniversary of the People’s Republic of China, the ambassador also said, “This year also marks the 10th anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative proposed by President Xi Jinping. Over the past ten years under the BRI cooperation, more than 150 countries including Sri Lanka and 32 international organizations have made great progress in connectivity, infrastructure, trade, and investment, with about 3,100 joint projects bringing tangible benefits to the world. As the Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka, I am more than happy to highlight the major projects between our two countries such as the Katunayake Expressway, the Southern Expressway, the CICT, the Hambantota Port and the Port City Colombo etc.”
The ambassador also welcomed “all countries including Sri Lanka aboard the express train of China’s development.”
The event was the first of its kind held in Colombo since the Covid-19 pandemic.
4 former Presidents & diplomats including the US ambassador
Minister of Ports, Shipping and Aviation – Nimal Siripala de Silva attended as the Chief Guest of the event, which was also graced by a host of distinguished guests including the Prime Minister, diplomats, several ministers, military officers, officials and embassy staff.
It was singular that four former Presidents of Sri Lanka – namely Ms. Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga, Mr. Mahinda Rajapaksa, Mr. Maithripala Sirisena and Mr. Gotabaya Rajapaksa attended the event.
Among the distinguished diplomatic community that attended the event, US ambassador to Sri Lanka – Ms. Julie Chung was also in attendance.
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Sri Lanka welcomes one-millionth tourist of 2023 (Pics)
A Russian national named Alex Mazkov, who arrived at the Katunayake Airport today (26) with his family has been welcomed as Sri Lanka’s one-millionth tourist of the year.
To celebrate this milestone, the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau organized a special ceremony at the airport’s arrivals terminal. Mazkov and his family were warmly welcomed by officials and presented with traditional Sri Lankan garlands and souvenirs.
(Pics : BIA Facebook Page)
