UK to work with Sri Lanka for peace, prosperity

The British Government says it looks forward to continue working with Sri Lanka, following the appointment of the new Foreign Minister.

While congratulating Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera on his reappointment to the post, the?Minister of State at the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office Hugo Swire said he looks forward to?continue working with Sri Lanka?on peace and prosperity.

“Congratulations @MangalaLK on re-appointment as #SriLanka Foreign Minister. Look forward to continuing our work on peace & prosperity,” Swire tweeted.

After taking oaths this week, Samaraweera said that he would ?build, with even greater vigour, on the tremendous goodwill the international community extended to Sri Lanka after the January 8 revolution?, adding that, ?this intensification of engagement and strengthening of relations will be made possible by the political stability arising from the decisive mandate given by the people in the general election?.

He said that he would ?place economic diplomacy at the centre of Sri Lanka?s foreign affairs ? focusing on promoting trade, tourism and investment?.

Minister Samaraweera also noted that ?restructuring the Foreign Ministry and the rationalization of Sri Lanka?s diplomatic missions abroad was an urgent priority?. (Colombo Gazette)