Foreign Minister Samaraweera visits Brussels
Foreign Minister Samaraweera with Belgian Deputy Prime Minister & Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr. Didier Reynders. Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Mangala Samaraweera, concluded a two day official visit to Brussels today. Foreign Minister Samaraweera met Belgian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Didier Reynders and members of the European Parliament. He also held talks with the European Commissioner for Environment, Maritime Affairs & Fisheries, Mr. Karmenu Vella, and the European Commissioner for International Cooperation and Development, Mr. Neven Mimica.
Pope Francis who arrived in the country on January 13 said that he hoped every word and action of Sri Lankan political and religious leaders will make a lasting contribution to the material and spiritual progress of all the Sri Lankans. Speaking at the Bandaranaike International Airport upon his arrival, the Pope said that promoting human dignity and respect for human rights was also essential as well as improving infrastructures and material needs.
The European Union (EU) says it is looking forward to working with President Maithripala Sirisena to further develop its relations with Sri Lanka.
The good governance that is the hope and great expectation of everyone could be realized by the political leadership and the public service working in an exemplary manner, in carrying out all their responsibilities, said President Maithripala Sirisena when he began his duties at the Presidential Secretariat yesterday (12). 
Maithripala Sirisena was sworn in as the 6th Executive President before Justice K. Sri Pawan at a ceremony held at the Independence Square in Colombo amidst the blessings of religious leaders.