News
UK, Sri Lanka to review foreign and security policies in ‘strategic’ dialogue tomorrow
The second meeting of the strategic dialogue between Sri Lanka and the United Kingdom is scheduled to be held in Colombo tomorrow (07), at the senior officials’ level, the Foreign Ministry said.
A senior Ministry official said: “The meeting will review developments in foreign and security policies, as well as progress in the areas of bilateral engagement, including trade, investment, tourism, climate change, environment protection, migration, and maritime cooperation among others.
The meeting will also take stock of cooperation by the two countries at international fora, including at the United Nations and Commonwealth.
Sri Lanka and the United Kingdom celebrated 75 years of diplomatic relations in 2023. The visit of Her Royal Highness Princess Anne this year, to commemorate this occasion, underscored the importance of our enduring friendship.
At the 2nd Strategic Dialogue, the Sri Lanka delegation will be led by Director General Europe and North America of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Shobini Gunasekera and includes bilateral talks with Foreign Secretary Aruni Wijewardane.
The UK side will be led by Director / India and Indian Ocean Directorate at Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) Ben Meller and will comprise High Commissioner Andrew Patrick, Head of Sri Lanka team in the FCDO Humairaa Haita and the High Commission officials, along with officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other relevant government agencies.”
The inaugural meeting of the strategic dialogue was held in mid-April last year on the invitation of FCDO.
The Indian Naval Ship (INS) Sahyadri arrived at the Port of Colombo on a formal visit on Friday [04 Apr 25]. The visiting ship was welcomed by the Sri Lanka Navy in compliance with naval traditions.
INS Sahyadri is a 143m long Frigate manned by a crew of 320 and the ship is commanded by Captain Rajat Kumar.
During their visit to the crew of INS Sahyadri will participate in events hosted by the Sri Lanka Navy, aimed to strengthen bilateral ties. They will also visit several tourist hotspots across the country.
Concluding the visit, INS Sahyadri is scheduled to set sail from Colombo on 07 Apr
Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force (JMSDF) BUNGO and ETAJIMA which arrived in Sri Lanka on a goodwill visit on 01 Apr 25, departed the island on Friday [04 Apr].
The Sri Lanka Navy bade customary farewell to the departing ships at the Port of Colombo, following naval traditions. Upon leaving, the duo of ships engaged in a successful Passage Exercise (PASSEX) with SLNS Vijayabahu. The PASSEX involved training exercises in communication and tactical maneuvering, concluding with the traditional cheer ship salute.
During their stay in Colombo, crew members of the JMSDF ships took part in several programmes organized by the Sri Lanka Navy, aimed at enhancing mutual cooperation. In addition, they also explored some tourist attractions in Colombo. Further, personnel of Sri Lanka Navy had the opportunity to visit JMSDF BUNGO and ETAJIMA, gaining insights into their operational capabilities.
The Commanding Officers of JMSDF BUNGO and ETAJIMA, Commander TANAKA Koji and Commander ODA Takayuki called on Commander Western Naval Area, and Director General Operations, on 01 Apr.
The official welcoming ceremony for the Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, who arrived in Sri Lanka on Friday (April 4) night for a three-day state visit, is currently underway at Independence Square in Colombo.
INS Sahyadri arrives at Port of Colombo
JMSDF BUNGO and ETAJIMA depart island
Ceremonial reception for Indian PM Narendra Modi commences
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