The National Unity Government, headed by President Maithripala Sirisena reaffirm commitment, in accordance with the mandates received from the people at the Presidential elections in January and Parliamentary elections of August 2015, to ensure that our nation never again returns to a conflict-ridden past, and instead resolve to guide our nation towards reconciliation, sustainable peace, and economic progress. Communal, ethnic and religious hatred and violence, and impunity have no place in the society that we strive to build.

The European Commission, the legislative body of the European Union, has granted GSP Plus status to Sri Lanka, giving the country access to the EU market under the special scheme starting Friday. In January the EC had noted that it had received a GSP Plus request from Sri Lanka.

Having received his appointment from President Maithripala Sirisena on Monday 22 May 2017, as the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ravi Karunanayake assumed duties at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs yesterday morning, Thursday, 25 May 2017. Foreign Minister Ravi Karunanayake was received at the Ministry, by the Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Esala Weerakoon, senior staff of the Ministry, Ministers including the former Minister of Foreign Affairs and present Minister of Finance & Media Mangala Samaraweera, Parliamentarians and well-wishers.

Federal Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel has sent a letter to the new Sri Lankan Minister of Foreign Affairs Ravi Karunanayake, congratulating him to his appointment as Minister of Foreign Affairs. “Over the past years our two countries have further enhanced their relations on a broad range of issues,” the Federal Foreign Minister writes. “And just this April generously hosted our regional Indian Ocean Ambassadors Conference. Together we successfully campaigned for the reintroduction of the EU trade preferences for Sri Lanka. Germany has for many years made vocational training for young people in your country a priority. We will continue to support your country’s efforts towards national reconciliation. I look forward to working with you to further the close cooperation between Germany and Sri Lanka. I wish you a sure hand and every success in your new post.”