Foreign Minister says Govt committed to Non-Aligned friendly- foreign policy

Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunawardena reiterated once again today that Sri Lanka will commit to a Non-Aligned, neutral, friendly foreign policy as declared by the President when it comes to foreign relations with other countries.

“We have no enemies. We are friends with all. That is how Sri Lanka has achieved its achievements across the world and respect across the world which we will develop further. We were pioneers of the Non-Aligned Movement which contributed across all continents. We are friends across the world and I hope our Diplomatic Missions shall be able to take the necessary steps to bring not only friendship with all those countries but also with Sri Lankans who are abroad across the world,” Minister Gunawardena who assumed duties at the Ministry today noted.

Later, addressing the staff, the Foreign Minister remarked that the government is ready to rise up to the new challenges with the mandate given by the people of Sri Lanka. He also called upon the Sri Lankans overseas to join hands with the government in this endeavour.

Outlining the Government’s efforts to address issues arising in the post-Covid-19 era, the Minister highlighted that Sri Lanka is geared to achieve its economic goals within the upcoming years. In this context, the Minister stated that the Department of Commerce has also been brought under the purview of the Foreign Ministry with a view to enhancing the exports, investments and entrepreneurship of Sri Lankans.

Welcoming the Minister, Foreign Secretary Admiral Prof. Colombage highlighted the successful role played by the Foreign Ministry towards curbing and containing the spread of Covid-19 in Sri Lanka. Speaking on the three pillars of the President’s vision: National Security, Economic Development and Foreign Relations, Secretary Colombage expressed confidence that the newly appointed Foreign Minister’s vision will definitely contribute to positively projecting Sri Lanka, internationally.

The Minister pledged his fullest support to strengthen the role played by the Foreign Service and the Foreign Ministry and thereby to fulfil the foreign policy objectives of the newly appointed government.