On the invitation of Welthungerhilfe, a non-denominational and politically independent, non-profit-making and non-governmental aid agency working in the field of development cooperation and emergency relief aid founded in 1962 by then German Federal President Heinrich Lübke, the Chairman of the Sewalanka Foundation of Sri Lanka, Mr. Harsha Navaratne participated at the 50th anniversary of the organization. The event was held under the patronage of president of Germany His Excellency Joachim Gauck. The Federal Foreign Minister of Germany and other dignitaries were also present at the event.
Mr. Harsha Navaratne delivered a speech at the event. During his speech, Mr. Naveratne stated that after thirty years of war, Sri Lanka is working with dedication to achieve the development goals of the country and striving to catch up with the other Asian countries. Mr Navaratne further stated that after the end of the conflict the country has many challenges with regard to reconciliation, rehabilitation, resettlement and reconstruction. He added that the assistance of everyone to resolve these issues and provide a better life to the every citizen of Sri Lanka would be appreciated. Sewalanka Foundation is constructively engaging with the government of Sri Lanka to assist addressing post-conflict development challenges. Mr. Navaratne made an appeal to Germany to be part of this process and assist Sri Lanka to remove all the barriers.
Mr. Navaratne requested the Federal President of the Federal Republic of Germany, the Federal Foreign Minister and the other dignitaries involved in the civil society to engage with Sri Lanka through diplomatic channels to build and consolidate the cooperation between Sri Lanka and Germany. Mr Navaratne noted that H.E the Ambassador of Sri Lanka for Germany is fully committed to enhance the relationship with Germany and expressed his hope that the German side would step forward in this endeavour.
The President of the Federal Republic of Germany and other federal Ministers accepted the request made by the chairman of Sewalanka and pledged to extend his cooperation in the future.
H.E the Ambassador also participated in the celebration and made use of the opportunity to brief the important dignitaries attended at the 50th anniversary of Welthungerhilfe with regard to the post-conflict developments taking place in Sri Lanka.
Embassy of Sri Lanka, Berlin, 01.01.2013