“Sri Lanka and Africa are partners in peace”

Excellencies, distinguished Guests, ladies and gentlemen, I am very happy to address this auspicious occasion of the Africa Day commemorating the founding of the Organization of African Unity and the establishment of the African Union. 

On this momentous occasion, I wish to convey to the President of the African Union, Robert Mugabe and Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Dr. Nkosazana Zuma and through them to the people of the Union, the greetings and best wishes of President Maithripala Sirisena, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, the Government and people of Sri Lanka.

 

Sri Lanka’s connections with the African continent 

Distinguished guests, history is replete with examples of Sri Lanka’s connections with the African continent. The earliest links through the silk route, the discovery of cinnamon in ancient Egypt are indicative of trade linkages with Sri Lanka, the records in the Mahavansa – the Great Chronicle - of the presence of Northern African merchants in the ancient city of Anuradhapura in the 11th Century during the reign of King Pandukabaya, are but a few of the ancient linkages. 

The attraction our island had in Africa, in ancient times are reflected in the 14th century writings of the celebrated Moroccan scholar-traveler Ibn Battuta. Reflecting the welcoming spirit of this island nation, Sri Lanka is also home to a small community of African-origin people known as “Sri Lankan Kaffirs” who reside in the areas of Puttalam, Negombo, Trincomalee and Batticaloa.

Excellencies, distinguished guests, Sri Lanka’s relations with the African region are characterised by traditional friendship, mutual respect and strong African-Asian solidarity. Beginning from our strong solidarity in the Non-aligned Movement, we continue to be partners in the IORA, the G-15 and many other fora, bringing together a unique blend of development, social and cultural experience. Sri Lanka enjoys formal diplomatic relations with not less than 41 countries, and there are six resident Sri Lankan missions in the African continent. 

We both share common values, socio-economic aspirations, political ethos, and continue to grapple with similar developmental challenges of our times. The African Union’s values of diversity, transparency and unity strike particular resonance with the people of Sri Lanka who gave President Sirisena a strong mandate towards strengthening democratic institutions, the rule of law and transparency. The new trajectory of Sri Lanka’s foreign policy reflects these commitments and values and paves the way to rediscover the strong traditional friendship and affinities with the African region and the wider world. 

It is this shared vision which makes Sri Lanka’s accreditation in the African Union – as a non-African State – gain even greater significance. We value this linkage immensely and believe that it provides an important avenue to intensify our engagement and collaboration with the African region.

Southern Asia and Africa are common inheritors of the vast Indian Ocean, rich in its resources, which connects ancient civilisations and our peoples of the two continents. The connectivity and the richness of the Indian Ocean is a reflection of the vast potential which exists to develop closer engagement between the two regions. 

 

Sri Lanka and Africa 

are partners in peace

Sri Lanka and Africa are partners in peace. While Sri Lanka has sought to learn from South Africa’s experience in Truth and Reconciliation processes, Sri Lanka also contributes to the maintenance and sustenance of peace through peace keeping contingents in the Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Western Sahara.

Excellencies, distinguished guests, Sri Lanka has viewed with great admiration the transformation in the political and social landscape of the African continent, the strengthening of democracy through the adoption of the Constitutive Act, the establishment of the African Union and its associated institutions such as the Pan-African Parliament, and the African Court on Human and People’s Rights. Sri Lanka wishes every success to the Union’s Agenda 2063 envisioning a compassionate and caring society and the realisation of an integrated, prosperous, peaceful Africa, owned and driven by its own peoples.

In fact, this year’s Summit theme focusing on women’s empowerment resonates strongly with Sri Lanka’s own experience and emphasis in the area of women’s empowerment in the national development agenda. We would be happy to work with the African Union in this area and share Sri Lanka’s rich experience in this sphere. 

With this strong foundation it is time that our cooperative efforts increasingly focus on economic engagement. While Sri Lankan businesses are engaged in several African countries in the areas of energy especially hydropower, construction, tea, information technology; a vast area remains to be exploited in investment and in sectors such as pharmaceuticals, hospitality and leisure, education and several other fields. Furthermore, enhancing business opportunities of the Small and Medium Enterprise sector will bolster the economic benefits of our engagement.

Excellencies, distinguished guests, as we look to the future, let me conclude my remarks by reiterating what President Maithripala Sirisena, said in his message to the Chairperson of the African Commission, and I quote:

“As the Union spearheads Africa’s development and integration, I reiterate Sri Lanka’s firm support and commitment to our partnership with the African Union and look forward to elevating our collaboration in a true spirit of friendship and solidarity.”

I thank you.