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Sri Lankan pledges to pursue vibrant foreign policy

Xinhua, February 4, 2016 Adjust font size:

The Sri Lankan government on Thursday said that it is committed to pursue a vibrant foreign policy guided by principles of diplomatic engagement and friendship with all.

Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera said that Sri Lanka, since time immemorial, had maintained friendly relations with all and played an important role on the global stage.

"In keeping with this tradition, Sri Lanka is once again re-engaging with the international community in the best interest of all her people, and has today successfully reclaimed its rightful place among the community of nations," Samaraweera said.

He also appealed to all Sri Lankans who are presently overseas as well as persons of Sri Lankan origin abroad, to continue to contribute to the economic and social development of the island nation.

Samaraweera made these comments in a statement to mark the 68th anniversary of the Independence Day of Sri Lanka which fell on Thursday.

Samaraweera said that the 68th anniversary of Sri Lanka's Independence took place at a time when the country was embarking on a new chapter in terms of strengthening democracy, good governance, rule of law, human rights and relations with the global community of nations.

He said the anniversary also coincides with the completion of the first year of the new Sri Lankan government led by President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe that is committed to pursue the twin objectives of reconciliation and development aimed at taking the country forward as a progressive, modern democratic nation, where its rich ethnic, cultural and linguistic diversity is respected, celebrated and valued. Enditem