Sabry holds 2023’s first briefing to Colombo-based diplomatic corps on current developments

Foreign Affairs Minister Ali Sabry on Tuesday chaired the first diplomatic briefing for Colombo-based diplomatic corps for the New Year focussing on the current developments.

He highlighted that Sri Lanka is looking towards 2023 as a year of socio-economic stabilisation, reconciliation and recovery and outlined several areas of progress made in the country towards recovery and initiatives taken amidst challenges which has led to a greater degree of stability for the people.

Justice, Prison Affairs and Constitutional Reforms Minister Wijayedasa Rajapaksa, Tourism and Lands Minister Harin Fernando, State Minister of Foreign Affairs Tharaka Balasuriya, Central Bank of Sri Lanka Governor Dr. P. Nandalal Weerasinghe, Foreign Secretary Aruni Wijewardane and Ministry of Finance, Economic Stabilisation and National Policies Department of National Planning Director General R.H.W.A. Kumarasiri also contributed to the briefing.

With regard to reconciliation, Minister Sabry provided an update regarding the key measures undertaken by the Government in the recent months, including the All-Party Conference (APC) convened by the President in December 2022 with the participation of all political parties, functioning of the Cabinet Sub-Committee on Reconciliation and the establishment of a Special Unit on solving issues of people in the Northern Province under the Presidential Secretariat. 

He also indicated that the Government has made serious efforts towards setting up a Truth and Reconciliation mechanism and the operationalisation of the Office of Overseas Sri Lankan Affairs.

Justice Minister explained the progress that has been initiated in drafting a comprehensive legislation on counter-terrorism to replace the PTA, update on anti-corruption law, progress on matters related to reconciliation processes coming under the purview of the Ministry of Justice, including the progress made by the Office on Missing Persons (OMP), Office for Reparations (OR) and Office for National Unity and Reconciliation (ONUR).

Tourism Minister highlighted that in order to encourage increased tourist arrivals to Sri Lanka in 2023, measures have been put in place to provide all essential facilities for tourists including steps taken to ensure supply of fuel for foreign visitors i.e., fuel pass and exempting identified tourism zones from power cuts. Minister also encouraged countries to reflect the current situation of the country, especially with regard to revising adverse travel advisories.

Central Bank Governor made a presentation on the current economic situation and the envisaged way forward. Department of National Planning Director General provided a briefing on the social protection measures that have been adopted for vulnerable groups.

Foreign Secretary Wijewardane stated that Sri Lanka has submitted its national report under the Fourth Cycle of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR), which is a voluntary review process of the Human Rights Council. 

Secretary Wijewardane highlighted that in the process of preparing the National Report, the Government undertook broad consultations with local stakeholders including civil society organisations (CSOs) and that Sri Lanka looks forward to a constructive engagement with the United Nations as well as the international community in a spirit of cooperation and constructive dialogue.

During the discussion that followed the presentations, the members of the diplomatic corps expressed appreciation for the fruitful and useful briefing provided on the current situation and the steps taken towards recovery and stabilisation.