News
Speaker recalls Turkey’s prompt recognition of Lanka’s Independence
Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywar-dena said that Turkey was one of the first countries to recognize Sri Lanka after its independence and ever since Turkey had stood by Sri Lankans in many exigency situations.
The Speaker was grateful to Turkey for medical donations dispatched to Sri Lanka recently to fight the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Speaker said this at the Sri Lanka – Turkey Parliamentary Friendship Association meeting held in Parliament recently. Rakibe Demet Sekercioglu, Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey to Sri Lanka and several Cabinet Ministers, State Ministers and Members of Parliament were present at the meeting.
State Minister Susil Premajayantha, was appointed as the President of the Sri Lanka – Turkey Parliamentary Friendship Association and Parliamentarians J. C. Alawathuwala, Rishad Bathiudeen, and Mohamed Muzammil were appointed as the Vice Presidents of the Association.
MP Harshana Rajakaruna was appointed as the Secretary and MP Ishak Rahuman, was appointed as the Treasurer.
Before the election of the officer-bearers of the Sri Lanka – Turkey Parliamentary Friendship Association the Speaker made the welcome speech.
Speaker Abeywardena said: “On behalf of the Parliament of Sri Lanka, I warmly welcome this distinguished gathering present here today at this meeting to revive the Sri Lanka – Turkey Parliamentary Friendship Association for the 9th Parliament.
Sri Lanka and Turkey relations have a deep history dating back to the 19th century and the ties have been further strengthened and consolidated subsequent to the opening of resident diplomatic representations of the two countries: in Ankara in 2012 and in Colombo in 2013.
Sri Lanka – Turkey relations expanded to Trade, Economic, Defence, Tourism and Educational cooperation and currently enjoy extremely friendly and brotherly relations which continue to flourish and strengthen day-by-day.
I must not forget to mention here that Sri Lankans always admire friendship of Turkey as a true friend and Turkey stood by Sri Lankans in many exigency situations. With much gratitude, we remember that President Recep Erdogan, when he was Prime Minister in 2005 visited Sri Lanka after the tsunami in 2004 and gifted a housing settlement in “Midigama”, South of Sri Lanka for the families affected by the disaster.
Sri Lanka and Turkey have also worked closely in various international fora including at the United Nations in relation to Counter Terrorism Conventions. Although the two countries have already strengthened Economic and technical cooperation with each other by signing several agreements, I believe that there is still much room for enhancement of bilateral cooperation.
At the conclusion, I wish the success for future activities of this Association, and hope that the Sri Lanka – Turkey Parliamentary Friendship Association will further enhance the cordial relationship that exists between our two countries for many decades to come.’’
MPs Lasantha Alagiyawanna, Dayasiri Jayasekara, Vijitha Berugoda, Mayadunna Chinthaka Amal, A. Aravindh Kumar, Ashok Abeysinghe, Sivagnanam Shritharan, Chandima Weerakkody, S.M.M. Muszhaaraff, A.L.M. Athaullah, Charles Nirmalanathan, Imthiaz Bakeer Markar, Ali Sabri Raheem, W.H.M. Dharmasena, Velu Kumar, Niroshan Perera and Yadamini Gunawardena participated in the meeting.
As part of the official visit to London for the 43rd Commonwealth of Learning (COL) Board of Governors Meeting 2026, the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, held discussions with academic experts from the British Council on Wednesday [20 May 2026].
The discussions focused on strengthening cooperation in education, particularly in the areas of teacher training, English language programmes, education frameworks, and language acquisition skills.
The British Council shared international experience and highlighted its ongoing engagement in Sri Lanka, while expressing readiness to support the country through technical assistance, teacher development initiatives, and policy collaboration.
Discussions also included views on improving quality assurance, expanding research collaboration, and enhancing learning opportunities.
The Prime Minister appreciated the British Council’s continued engagement in Sri Lanka and reiterated the importance of deepening partnerships.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division’
Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, who is currently on an official visit to the United Kingdom, met with members of the Sri Lankan community living in London on Wednesday [20th] and engaged in cordial discussions.
Despite the event being held on a weekday, it was notable that nearly one thousand Sri Lankans representing the Sinhala, Tamil, and Muslim communities attended with great enthusiasm.
Addressing the gathering, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that despite natural disasters and international crises, the present government has succeeded in stabilizing the country’s economy while providing relief to the people. She further noted that Sri Lanka’s political culture has now undergone a positive transformation that is irreversible.
Minister of Women and Child Affairs Saroja Paulraj, addressing the event, stated that a governance system has now been established in the country where all communities are treated equally and the benefits of economic development are shared fairly among all citizens.
Moving away from the traditional method of political gatherings, the event also provided an open platform for members of the Sri Lankan community to directly raise questions and express their views to the Prime Minister and the Minister.
Commenting on the organization of the event, the organizing committee stated that all expenses, including dinner, were borne by the participants themselves. The organizers further remarked that it is unsurprising that opposition groups, accustomed to organizing such events through the misuse of public funds, appear unsettled by this transparent process.
The occasion was attended by the Minister of Women and Child Affairs Saroja Paulraj and Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Nimal Senadheera.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarasuriya currently undertaking an official visit to London, United Kingdom, to participate in the 43rd Commonwealth of Learning (COL) Board of Governors Meeting 2026 held a bilateral meeting with the Yvette Cooper MP, Foreign Secretary of the United Kingdom ON Wednesday [20]. The Prime Minister was accompanied by Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Nimal Senadheera, along with officials from the Sri Lankan High Commission.
During the meeting, the Prime Minister conveyed Sri Lanka’s appreciation to the United Kingdom for the support extended in the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwa, including ongoing rebuilding and recovery assistance. The Prime Minister also commended the United Kingdom’s support in facilitating increased bilateral trade and exports for Sri Lanka.
The Prime Minister briefed the UK delegation on Sri Lanka’s recent economic developments and policy priorities, the Government’s commitment to advancing human rights and reconciliation, as well as Sri Lanka’s positive growth trajectory.
The two sides also exchanged views on current global geopolitical developments, challenges in the energy sector, and the importance of enhancing regional connectivity and long-term energy security.
Both sides also emphasised the importance of strengthening structured academic mobility frameworks while ensuring fairness, clarity, and integrity within migration systems.
They also reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening bilateral cooperation between the two countries in areas of mutual interest.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
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