Canada encouraged by efforts to advance reconciliation

Canada says it is encouraged by efforts to advance reconciliation and?ensure accountability in Sri Lanka.

The Foreign Minister of Canada St?phane Dion said that?Canada stands ready to support a process through which all communities in Sri Lanka will be able to live in security and peace.

“As I undertake this visit to Sri Lanka, I am encouraged by the government?s efforts to advance reconciliation and ensure accountability. We stand ready to assist the government in fulfilling this commitment,” he said.

Dion?s will arrive in Sri Lanka today and begin his official meetings tomorrow.?This bilateral official visit to Sri Lanka by a Foreign Minister of Canada takes place after 13 years, and within less than a year since the formation of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau?s Government.

Foreign Minister St?phane Dion will hold bilateral discussions with Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera tomorrow?afternoon, 28 July 2016, at the Foreign Ministry, following which, both Ministers will address the media.

Minister Dion will call on President Maithripala Sirisena, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and Leader of the Opposition R. Sampanthan on 28 July. He will also meet the Minister of National Co-existence, Dialogue and Official Languages, Mano Ganesan, on the same day, in connection with support extended by Canada for the National Languages Equality Advancement Project (NLEAP).

On Friday 29 July, Foreign Minister Dion will travel to Jaffna, where he will meet the Governor of the Northern Province Reginald Cooray, Chief Minister C.V. Wigneswaran and members of civil society. The Minister will also visit Canadian funded projects including the Jaffna Hospitality Training Centre and an Agro Economic Development Project (ADP) funded by Canada with UNDP and FAO support, relating to agro economic cooperatives in the dairy and agriculture industries.

Minister Dion?s visit is expected to infuse new momentum to relations between the two countries.(Colombo Gazette)