January 12, Colombo (LNW): On Thursday (Jan. 11), Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Sabry chaired the first briefing of the year for the members of the Colombo-based diplomatic Corps at the Ministry. The minister highlighted the progress made in 2023 across various fronts that contributed to greater stability, including debt restructuring, economic and legal reforms, and reconciliation efforts.
Referring to 2024 as the year to revitalize the country’s economy, Minister Ali Sabry expressed optimism following the crucial achievements in overcoming challenges in 2022. He mentioned the establishment of a Commission for Truth, Unity, and Reconciliation, with the draft Bill gazetted and set to be tabled in Parliament after extensive consultations with stakeholders. Additionally, he informed that the Office for National Unity and Reconciliation Bill was recently passed by Parliament, with two more draft Bills on anti-terrorism and the Office for Overseas Sri Lankans to be tabled soon.
Minister of Public Security Tiran Alles provided an update on the progress made in the special operation against drug-related issues and underworld activities. Senior Advisor to the President on Climate Change Ruwan Wijewardene outlined Sri Lanka’s initiatives on climate change, including the proposal for an International Climate Change University and the implementation of the Sri Lanka Climate Prosperity Plan to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.
Foreign Secretary Aruni Wijewardane focused on the country’s upcoming international engagements and incoming visits of foreign dignitaries. Deputy Treasury Secretary R.M.P. Rathnayake made a presentation on the current economic situation and the envisioned path forward.
Representatives of domestic institutions dealing with reconciliation, such as the Office on Missing Persons, Office for Reparations, Office for National Unity and Reconciliation, Interim Secretariat of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, and the Office for Overseas Sri Lankans, were also present at the briefing.
During the discussions following the presentations, members of the diplomatic Corps expressed appreciation for the comprehensive briefing organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, acknowledging the efforts made toward recovery and stabilization in the country.
