LAUNCH OF ‘RATNA DVÍPA’ – QUARTERLY MAGAZINE PUBLISHED BY
THE EMBASSY OF SRI LANKA, WASHINGTON DC

The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Washington DC is pleased to announce the launch of its quarterly magazine - Ratna Dvipa on January 1, 2009.

The magazine provides detailed information on Embassy events and news, as well as an array of articles covering a broad spectrum of topics such as Multilateral Relations, Policy Initiatives of the Government of Sri Lanka, Trade & Investment, Business and Tourism & Culture.

The magazine will be circulated among Government and Non-government organizations in Sri Lanka and the United States of America, other diplomatic missions in Washington DC, Sri Lankan missions around the world and the Sri Lankan diaspora in USA. The objective of the publication is to promote US - Sri Lanka relations, as well as to enhance the involvement of other institutions and organizations with the Embassy.

With the first issue, the Embassy encourages its readers to provide any comments or suggestions for future issues, in order to present a better publication.

 

KILINOCHCHI IS CAPTURED – PRESIDENT TELLS THE NATION

“A short while ago, our brave and heroic troops have fully captured Kilinohchi that was considered the main bastion of the LTTE. Our have troops have completely taken over the fortress of the LTTE that has been described by our own leaders and accepted internationally as the most powerful terrorist organization in the world,” said President Mahinda Rajapaksa announcing the capture of Kilinochchi to the nation at the Presidential Secretariat this afternoon. (Jan 02).

“Whatever the words or language used to describe it, this is truly an incomparable victory. What our heroic troops have achieved is not only the capture of the great fortress of the LTTE, but a major victory in the world’s battle against terrorism. The entire world must today appreciate the outstanding success of the Sri Lankan troops.,” the President said.

Please click here for text of the President's announcement on the fall of Kilinochchi

New Year Greetings

As the New Year dawns, I wish to share my long held personal conviction that all Sri Lankans belong to a large loving family. The bonds that bind us greatly out number those that are loose. Let us resolve to inspire ourselves to be joyous in unison.

As the designated official, I am tasked not only to represent our Motherland, but also to liaise between the sons and daughters of Sri Lanka living in the United States of America. My humble effort is to be of optimum service in performing this daunting task.

I appeal in earnest, to all Sri Lankans and Sri Lankan Americans, to join hands to make Sri Lanka peaceful and prosperous.

We wish you and your family a Happy & Peaceful New Year.

Ambassador Jaliya Wickramasuriya &
Priyanga Wickramasuriya

 

HON. HUSSEIN A. BHAILA, DEPUTY MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS MEETS MR. RICHARD BOUCHER, ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF STATE FOR SOUTH AND CENTRAL ASIA, AT THE DEPARTMENT OF STATE, WASHINGTON DC ON DECEMBER 19, 2008

Hon. Hussein A. Bhaila, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs met Mr. Richard Boucher, Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia, at the Department of State Washington D.C. on December 19, 2008. He was accompanied by Ambassador Jaliya Wickramasuriya.

Amongst the matters discussed at the meeting were the remarkable progress in ongoing military operations to clear parts of the Northern Province of LTTE presence. The Deputy Minister brought to the attention of the U.S that the LTTE is holding civilians as a human shield and preventing them from coming to Vavuniya, where the Government has made arrangements to receive them. The Government, despite prevailing adverse weather conditions and obstacles placed by LTTE, has ensured that there is an uninterrupted supply of food and basic necessities to the civilians in the un-cleared areas of the Wanni, who are caught up in the current conflict. It was urged that the international community can help the civilians by exerting pressure on the LTTE. The Deputy Minister informed that progress towards capturing Kilinochchi is slow but steady as all possible measures are being taken to ensure zero civilian casualties. After successful completion of the ongoing military operation it was informed that the people of the Northern Province will be given the democratic right to choose their own political representation, as was the case when the Eastern Province was cleared of the LTTE presence.

Full Release

24-HOUR SERVICE The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Washington DC wishes to announce the launch of the 24-hour service to assist the public. Those who need assistance can now call the hotline 202-352-0355 to reach an officer 24 hours a day, including weekends and holidays. SRI LANKAN EXPATRIATES IN THE U.S. INVITED TO CONTACT THE EMBASSY The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Washington DC is pleased to invite all Sri Lankans, Sri Lankan Americans and Sri Lankan related groups throughout the US to establish contact with the Embassy. Individuals and groups are kindly requested to provide details relating to themselves and to their respective organizations, in the attached format. Please click here for the form.

Sri Lanka’s most celebrated Master Chef Publis Silva conducts culinary demonstrations to large number of Americans who participated at “The Embassy Chefs Series with Gail Scott”.

The Meridien ‘Embassy Chefs with Gail Scott’ was hosted by Ambassador Jaliya Wickramasuriya and Mrs. Wickramasuriya at their historic Embassy Row Residence, on Thursday, December 11, 2008. The main feature of the event was the presence of the island’s most celebrated Chef - Dr. T. Publis Silva of Mount Lavinia Hotel to conduct culinary demonstrations.

Ambassador Jaliya Wickramasuriya and Mrs. Wickramasuriya, Gail Scott with
Master Chef Publis Silva

The event was widely acclaimed by the all-American gathering from the Greater Washington DC area, including representatives from the US Department of State and Department of Justice, who were treated to exotic gastronomical treats, refreshing beverages and soothing ambience tunes, complemented by the renowned Sri Lankan hospitality.

Ambassador Wickramasuriya demonstrated the brewing a perfect cup of ‘Ceylon Tea’

The guests were treated to traditional Sri Lankan drinks upon arrival, following which they attended the demonstration and a sumptuous Sri Lankan dinner. While rice based ‘Komm Pittu’, Eggplant Pickle or ‘Moju’, Fish Cutlets, and Watalappan - a Sri Lankan dessert were demonstrated and variety of other exotic food items were served for dinner. In conclusion of the event, Ambassador Wickramasuriya demonstrated the correct way of brewing a perfect cup of ‘Ceylon Tea’, of which samples were gifted to all the guests together with Sri Lankan recipes as well as several other gifts in the Sri Lankan gift bag presented to each guest. At the end of the event, attendees signed up to receive information on a tour to Sri Lanka to be arranged by the Embassy in 2009.

In his opening remarks following a short video presentation on Sri Lanka, Ambassador Wickramasuriya, thanked Chef Publis for taking time off his busy schedule to visit the United States and attending this grand event, as well as Sri Lankan Airlines and Sri Lanka Tourism for sponsoring the event, and invited all the guests to visit Sri Lanka, to experience the wonders of the Resplendent Island. Ambassador H.M.G.S. Palihakkara - the Sri Lankan Permanent Representative to the UN, and Dillan Ariyawansa - Vice President, Sri Lankan Airlines (North America) and Sri Lanka Tourism representative in New York were also present at the event.

The Embassy Chefs Series with Gail Scott organized by Meridien, in close collaboration with diplomatic missions based in Washington DC, is a program primarily focused on culinary arts of different cultures and countries. Meridien International Center (MIC) is a Washington based forum, which promotes awareness and understanding of foreign cultures with the objective of fostering closer relations between the people of the United States and the rest of the world.

Please click here for the full press release

 

PRESIDENT ON 60 YEARS OF UDHR

“We in Sri Lanka renew and reaffirm our committed to upholding the values and goals proclaimed in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which also requires the elimination of terrorism in all its forms, ranking high among the threats to all civilized society”, states President Mahinda Rajapaksa in his message to mark the 60thn anniversary of the proclamation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

“As we mark this 60th anniversary of the UDHR there is the pressing need for all nations to join in concerted action to eradicate the menace of terrorism from our midst, having seen for ourselves in no small measure how it can undermine the very values upheld by this Declaration. It is the time for all nations to see the reality of this common enemy that threatens the survival of society based on respect for the freedom and dignity of humans”, the President adds.

Full Release

 

CHRISTMAS CELEBRATIONS AT THE SRI LANKA EMBASSY

Ambassador Jaliya Wickramasuriya addresses the Sri Lankan community from the Greater Washington area

The Sri Lanka Embassy Washington’s annual Christmas celebrations were held on 7 December 2008 in keeping with the tradition of the Embassy of commemorating the important festivals of all four world religions practiced in Sri Lanka.

The Rev. Father John Caulfield, of the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle, Washington DC addresses the Sri Lankan community from
the Greater Washington area

In his welcome address to the large number of Sri Lankan Christians and members of all Sri Lankan communities from the Greater Washington area who participated in the event, representing all communities of Sri Lanka, Ambassador Jaliya Wickramasuriya noted that Christmas is celebrated across the world with immense joy and happiness and for Christians it also symbolizes a very deeply significant truth of the spiritual life - Christ was born to bless the whole human race with peace and joy, life and light. He gave a new and a spiritual turn to the lives of man. Thus a new era dawned for the world. He noted that in Sri Lanka too a new era is about to dawn.

Everybody joined in to sing some popular carols, led by Mrs. Melita Ethelbert

However difficult it may be, it is President Rajapaksa’s belief that the efforts to find political solutions to political issues should be continued. It is the Sri Lanka Government’s duty to ensure to the Tamil people of the North the same democratic rights as enjoyed by the people in all other parts of the country.

Ambassador Wickramasuriya invited all Sri Lankans in the USA to come back to Sri Lanka and see for themselves the major transformation that is taking place there, under the leadership of President Mahinda Rajapaksa. He invited all Sri Lankans in the USA to work together with the Sri Lanka Embassy towards the development of Sri Lanka and wished all present a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Click here for the Full Release

 

FOREIGN MINISTER HIGHLIGHTS THREAT OF TERRORISM TO DEMOCRACY AT BALI DEMOCRACY FORUM

Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogallagama has highlighted the potent and ominous challenge that many democracies face today, emanating from the threat of terrorism. He was speaking at the inaugural session of the Bali Democracy Forum in Nusa Dua,Bali today (10 December 2008).The Bali Democracy Forum, an initiative of the Indonesian government, which brought together high level delegations from 33 countries in Asia to the Indonesian resort island of Bali for the 2 day meeting was inaugurated by President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and co-chaired by the Australian Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd .The Sultan of Brunei and the Prime Minister of Timor L'Este were also in attendance.

Full Release

 

MR.KARUNARATNE REUNITES WITH HIS FAMILY

Mr. Anton Karunaratne, who was admitted to the University of Health System, 4502 Medical Drive San Antonio in TX 78229 had safely returned to Sri Lanka on Wednesday, December 10, 2008.

The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Washington D.C wishes to extend its sincere and heartfelt gratitude to the public and the hospital authorities for their assistance to locate the contact details of the relatives of Mr.Karunaratne.

We specially appreciate and thank the Good Samaritan work of Mr. Sam Somawardana, a native Sri Lankan in Texas who constantly coordinated with our Embassy and their family members until the safe arrival of Mr.Karunaratne to Sri Lanka.

 

US GOVERNMENT DONATES $100,000 FOR FLOOD RELIEF

Colombo, December 2, 2008 - The United States Government will provide $100,000 for emergency relief to assist people affected by the flooding in the North and the East. This action comes in response to a request for assistance to USAID from the Sri Lankan Disaster Management Centre.

The US donation will be used for non-food relief items and targeted to victims in Jaffna and in the Vanni, where particularly serious flooding has occurred in recent days. UNICEF will administer the donation in coordination with local authorities. Ambassador Blake requested funds from the US government after Major General Hettiarachchi of the Disaster Management Centre asked for American assistance.

Full Release

 

PRESIDENT CONDEMNS TERRORIST ATTACKS IN INDIA

President Mahinda Rajapaksa, issuing a statement, vehemently condemned the terrorist attacks carried out in Mumbai, last night (26 November 2008).

‘The attacks on leading hotels, hospitals and public transport in Mumbai, the business and financial capital of India, show that the terrorists are targeting an important sector of the Indian economy, with a view destabilizing democracy in India… as a country that has suffered the most brutal terrorism for the past three decades, and is currently engaged in determined action to eradicate it from our midst, Sri Lanka stands with the Government and people of India at this time of tragedy and remain firm in our commitment to jointly combat and eradicate terrorism in all its forms from our countries, as well as from the South Asian Region…’ he said.

Click here for the full text of the message

 

FOREIGN MINISTER CONDEMNS TERRORIST OUTRAGE IN MUMBAI

Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama has strongly condemned the multiple terrorist attacks on the Indian financial hub of Mumbai last night (26 November 2008), which claimed the lives of over a hundred civilians and left scores of others injured.

In a message to his Indian counterpart, Shri Pranab Mukherjee, the Sri Lankan Foreign Minister has stated that the savage terrorist attacks underscore the urgent need to combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. He has also expressed Sri Lanka’s readiness to stand shoulder to shoulder with India in the fight against this menace, with resolve, which poses a clear danger to international peace and security.

Click here for the full text of the message

 

POONERYN FALLS: “LAY DOWN ARMS NOW” - PRESIDENT TELLS LTTE

“In this situation my clear message to Prabhakaran and the LTTE is to lay down their arms and come forward for discussions with us forthwith”, said President Mahinda Rajapaksa in a statement to the nation on the success of the Security Forces in regaining control of the A 32 Highway and Pooneryn in the North of Sri Lanka.

President Rajapaksa said the laying down of arms now, and surrendering, was the greatest service the LTTE could do to the people in the areas of armed conflict and the all peoples of Sri Lanka.

“In this situation my clear message to Prabhakaran and the LTTE is to lay down their arms and come forward for discussions with us forthwith”, said President Mahinda Rajapaksa in a statement to the nation on the success of the Security Forces in regaining control of the A 32 Highway and Pooneryn in the North of Sri Lanka.

Click here for the full message

 

AMBASSADOR JALIYA WICKRAMASURIYA CONGRATULATES
PRESIDENT- ELECT BARACK OBAMA

The Honorable Barack Obama,
The President-elect.

Your Excellency,

Please accept our warmest congratulations on your historic election as President of the United States of America.

The unprecedented results reflect the trust the American people have placed in your policies and leadership. Your victory will give us the opportunity to strengthen further friendly ties between our two countries.

We look forward to working with your administration to maintain the strong friendship and cooperation between the United States and Sri Lanka.

I am pleased to convey to Your Excellency, my best wishes for a successful tenure in Office.

Jaliya Wickramasuriya
Ambassador

Please click here for the congratulatory message of His Excellency the President

Please click here for the congratulatory message of Hon. Prime Minister

Please click here for the congratulatory message of Hon. Minister of Foreign Affairs