Bogollagama in UK

(April 02, London, Sri Lanka Guardian) “Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama and British Foreign Secretary David Miliband met at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office on 1 April. In a cordial and frank exchange of views on the situation in Sri Lanka, the Foreign Ministers discussed the recent political developments in the Eastern province, including the importance of ensuring that the forthcoming provincial elections are credible and conducted in a secure environment. The Foreign Ministers exchanged views on the Commonwealth and discussed human rights as well as other issues of bilateral importance. The Foreign Ministers recognized the importance of continued close engagement and regular high level contact”, in a joint press statement by the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Sri Lanka, said.

Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama on 01st April 2008 met with the new Commonwealth Secretary-General Shri Kamalesh Sharma and discussed matters of mutual interest to Sri Lanka and the Commonwealth. Significantly it was the new Secretary-General’s first day in office and his first meeting with a Commonwealth Foreign Minister after assuming office.

The Foreign Minister particularly focused on the resources of the Commonwealth being harnessed to initiate people centred programmes that seek to empower the under-privileged and vulnerable communities. They also agreed on how the Commonwealth could contribute to institutional development in order to strengthen the foundations of democracy. They also discussed the Commonwealth’s pioneering role on global governance issues and noted that in the context of increased involvement of regional organizations in this area relevant to their region that the Commonwealth should interact more closely with such organizations in a manner that would be mutually beneficial.

The Foreign Minister discussed a range of issues with the Secretary-General including the preparations for the forthcoming Commonwealth Youth Ministers Meeting in Colombo, the Commonwealth Ministerial Conference on Terrorism scheduled for the later of this year and Sri Lanka’s offer to host the CHOGM 2011 in Colombo. They also discussed matters relating to CMAG, including the restoration of Pakistan to the Council of the Commonwealth.
- Sri Lanka Guardian