Voice of America (VOA) station land given back to Lanka

The National Policies and Economic Affairs Ministry has obtained confirmation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs that the land where the Voice of America (VOA) was located at Iranawila is now with the Government.

The Director General (Legal) has told the Ministry which is under the charge of the Prime Minister that “in compliance with diplomatic practice, a diplomatic note verbale which is sent by one party to another and a response received for same in the form of a note verbale is universally accepted as constituting an Agreement between the two parties.”

He adds: “Accordingly, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has responded to the Diplomatic Note sent by the Embassy of the United States of America (USA) dated 22nd December 2016 on the 28th of December 2016. Hence, please note that the note verbale of the Embassy of the USA and the response of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs constitute an Agreement between the Government of Sri Lanka and the Government of the United States of America to terminate the 1951 Broadcast Agreement and the 1991 Lease Agreement. In view of the above, please note that the above Agreements remain terminated with effect from 31st December 2016.”

Read more Cafe