Archives - Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka to the UN Geneva Switzerland

: Published: 17 February 2015; Last Updated: 24 February 2015

Intervening at the Informal inter-sessional meeting of the Working Group on the Right to Development held from 16 – 17 February 2015 in Geneva,

Sri Lanka expressed concern at the slow pace of progress in the Working Group on Right to Development and expected that the new framework to be presented by the Chairperson-Rapporteur will not only contribute to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of the Working Group but also provide a new roadmap for this Working Group to achieve early completion of its mandate.

: Published: 29 January 2015; Last Updated: 31 January 2015

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Mr. Jayantha Dhanapala, Senior Advisor on Foreign Affairs to the President of Sri Lanka visited Geneva from 27th – 29th January 2015.

He met the High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein, President of the Human Rights Council Joachim Rücker, as well as all members of the Human Rights Council in Groups.

: Published: 13 January 2015; Last Updated: 23 January 2015

“I am convinced that the followers of the various religious traditions have an essential role to play in the delicate process of reconciliation and rebuilding which is taking place in this country”, said His Holiness Pope Francis speaking at the Bandaranaike International Airport upon his arrival, today (13).

“For that process to succeed all members of society must work together; all must have a voice”, he further said.

: Published: 13 January 2015; Last Updated: 23 January 2015

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The visit of Your Holiness gives me an opportunity to receive your blessings as I commence my term of office, said President Maithripala Sirisena welcoming the Holy Father at Bandaranaike International Airport this morning (Jan. 13).

The President, wishing the Pope a most fruitful and memorable journey in Sri Lanka sought the blessings of the Holy Father on the people of Sri Lanka and requested his prayers for the peace progress and prosperity of the people.

: Published: 13 January 2015; Last Updated: 23 January 2015

His Holiness Pope Francis arrived at the Bandaranaike International Airport this morning (Jan. 13). The Holy Father was welcomed by President Maithripala Sirisena.

The special aircraft carrying Pope Francis and the Papal delegation touched down at the Bandaranaike International Airport.

The main event in the Papal itinerary will be to declare Sri Lanka’s First Saint, Blessed Joseph Vaz, the Apostle of Sri Lanka, a Saint of the Universal Church at the Pontifical High Mass concelebrated with the Sri Lankan Cardinal and Bishops along with other clergy invited to participate at the special ceremony taking place for the first time in the annals of Sri Lanka. A stamp and a first day cover will be issued in honour of the Papal visit. A special gold coin is also to be issued.

: Published: 07 January 2015; Last Updated: 23 January 2015

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On the invitation of President Mahinda Rajapaksa, His Holiness Pope Francis will pay a State Visit to Sri Lanka from 13th to 15th January 2015. The Government and people of Sri Lanka are looking forward to warmly welcoming His Holiness and his delegation.

All arrangements for the visit are in place and the required constructions are progressing on schedule including the altar at Galle Face Green where the Special Mass and the canonization of Blessed Joseph Vaz, which will take place on Wednesday 14thJanuary.

: Published: 09 December 2014; Last Updated: 15 December 2014

Sri Lanka pledged a voluntary contribution of 10,000 US$ towards the UNHCR Global Appeal 2015 at the UNHCR Pledging Conference held on 09th December 2015. The Global Appeal 2015 Update by the UNHCR presented the financial resources that will be required in 2015 which amounts to US $ 6.23 Billion, to protect and improve the lives of millions of people, including, refugees, internally displaced people, returnees, stateless people, and others of concern.

Addressing the UNHCR Pledging Conference, Ambassador Aryasinha appreciated the assistance extended by UNHCR to Sri Lanka in a number of occasions, especially under the post-conflict resettlement programme; in terms of the provision of shelter grants and basic household items for the Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) and during the Tsunami in 2004.

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Sri Lanka calls for greater pace in the Working Group on Right to Development

Senior Advisor Jayantha Dhanapala meets with High Commissioner for Human Rights and Members of the Human Rights Council

For reconciliation & rebuilding process to succeed all must work together - Pope

President welcomes blessings from the Pope

Holy Father arrives in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka looking forward to warmly welcoming His Holiness Pope Francis

Sri Lanka pledged a voluntary contribution of 10,000 US$ towards the UNHCR Global Appeal 2015