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President Sirisena affirms SL’s commitment to PCA, SDA
Sri Lanka remains firmly committed to the full implementation of the Paris Climate Agreement (PCA) and the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda (SDA), said President Maithripala Sirisena said, when he addressed the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) session in London on Thursday (19).
Speaking further, President Sirisena said Sri Lanka extended its support to the Clean Ocean Alliance, proposed by the United Kingdom (UK), and this was part of the country’s commitment towards this end. He pointed out that Sri Lanka joined the international community in similar endeavours, including Climate Change.
He also welcomed adoption of the ‘Commonwealth Blue Charter’ in joint efforts to ensure the Oceans are a shared responsibility and the common heritage of mankind.
He added, Sri Lanka was pleased to have the opportunity to serve as a ‘Blue Charter Champion,’ and that the charter, along with the PCA and the SDA, are “tools to promote a sustainable future.”
The inaugural ceremony of the 25th CHOGM 2018 was held under the patronage of Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace on Thursday (19).
On Wednesday (18), President Sirisena delivered the keynote address to the Commonwealth Business Forum.
Among the other engagements during his visit to the UK, President Sirisena met with UK Secretary of State for International Trade, Liam Fox, who stated that, his Government is ready for direct investments in Sri Lanka, while increasing its investments in the country. He further said that the necessary process in this regard will be implemented in the near future.
The President also met with Lord Naseby, a member of the UK’s House of Lords, and thanked him for supporting Sri Lanka in the UK Parliament.
On Thursday, the President attended a special banquet hosted by Queen Elizabeth II in honour of leaders attending CHOGM.
While in the UK, President Sirisena met with members of the Sri Lankan community in London. In his address to the community, the President claimed that certain media and social media platforms are attempting to highlight falsehoods and suppress the truth, to gain narrow political advantage and commercial benefits.
On Friday, the President was the Chief Guest at the opening of the Commonwealth Centre for Digital Health.
President Sirisena arrived in London on April 16 and, as part of the New Year rituals, the President participated in the Oil Anointing Ceremony held at the London Buddhist Vihara, soon after his arrival.