Published: 22 April 2004

Ambassador Ashley Wills praising the Sri Lankan political and social sensibilities says that the Sri Lankans are a uniquely proud people who have upheld healthy democratic traditions amidst myriad political and social challenges Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to the United States, Ambassador Subasinghe, says Sri Lanka’s peace process will sustain itself and will be strengthened by the involvement of its key stakeholders The Young Professionals for International Cooperation (YPIC) - Asian Affairs Committee of the United Nations Association of the National Capital Area (UNA-NCA) organized a Sinhala and Tamil New Year celebration entitled, “Paththandu-Avurudu” on April 22, 2004 at the Meridian International in Washington DC. The event was attended by a diverse group of young professionals and Sri Lanka enthusiasts from the expatriate community as well as, from the local community. Representatives from various academic institutions, UN agencies, the Department of State and Non-Governmental Organisations also participated. Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to the United States, Ambassador Devinda R. Subasinghe was the Chief Guest on this occasion. Ambassador Ashley Wills, former US Ambassador to Sri Lanka and Assistant United States Trade Representative was the Guest of Honour. “Paththandu-Avurudu” was an evening of dialogue and discussion on facets of Sri Lanka’s art, culture and politics. The evening also featured an excellent cultural program and showcased the best of traditional Sri Lankan cuisine. Considered one of the most dynamic internationally focused groups in Washington DC, the Young Professionals for International Cooperation- Asian Affairs Committee of the United Nations Association of the National Capital Area is a part of the largest grassroots foreign policy organization in the United States. UNA-NCA’s concerns and projects are significantly in the areas of peace and security, conflict resolution, nuclear non-proliferation, global health, sustainable development and, human rights. The programs of the YPIC seek to engage professionals and students in dialogue on the UN and international affairs thereby fostering mentorship, and promoting career development for the leaders of tomorrow. Speaking on this occasion, Ambassador Ashley Wills provided creative insights into the politics of South Asia and the myriad forces that inform South Asian political and social action. Ambassador Wills praising the Sri Lankan political and social sensibilities said, “the Sri Lankans are a uniquely proud people who have upheld and nurtured a healthy democratic tradition amidst numerous political and social challenges. The texture of democratic governance in the island nation is being strengthened and renewed at every new crossroads.” Ambassador Wills informed the audience that there was a new determination among the people and the Government to find a lasting resolution to the twenty year old conflict. Complimenting Ambassador Subasinghe for gaining a focus for Sri Lanka in the US Administration and other Governmental and private sector agencies, Ambassador Wills mentioned that the US will continue to support Sri Lanka in its development and peace efforts. Ambassador Subasinghe gave a substantive exposition on the UN -Sri Lanka relations, the US-Sri Lanka bilateral experience, and the internal and external political dynamics that shaped the country’s foreign policy since Independence. According to Ambassador Subasinghe, one of the enduring motifs in the country’s foreign policy is the policy of neutrality which was exemplified by Sri Lanka’s active involvement in the formation of the Non-Aligned Movement in the early 1960s. During this period, the country’s role in the United Nations Organization was guided by the principle of “non-alignment.” Sri Lanka became a member of the United Nations in 1955 and the country shares the organization’s universal values of human rights and democracy. The most active UN agencies in Sri Lanka are the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). In the Post-Cold War period, successive Governments have integrated Sri Lanka more with the international community and with the process of globalization consistent with the country’s democratic traditions and its economic policies. Speaking on the Sri Lanka peace process and current ceasefire in place, Ambassador Subasinghe said, “the peace process will sustain itself and will be strengthened by the involvement of the key stakeholders.” In conclusion, the Ambassador hoped that the spirit of harmony and amity that the Sinhala and the Tamil New Year imparts would translate itself into greater cooperation among the different communities living in Sri Lanka. Embassy of Sri Lanka Washington DC USA 22 April 2004

Published: 30 March 2004

IDA Executive Board unanimously commends the design of the project

Sri Lanka's Ambassador to the United States, Ambassador Subasinghe, welcoming World Bank approval for the grant says that the Gemi Diriya project is a creatively innovative poverty alleviation strategy, one that will nurture the entrepreneurial impulse at the grassroots level

The Board of the Executive Directors of the International Development Association (IDA) of the World Bank approved an IDA grant of US$51 million (SDR 34, 200,000million equivalent) for the Community Development and Livelihood Improvement "Gemi Diriya" Project, on March 30, 2004. This project is premised upon striking a balance between growth and equity in a context of implementation of a structural adjustment programme. It has been recognized by policy makers that the current growth rates of 4-5 per cent was inadequate to have an empowering impact on the rural poor. Ambassador Devinda R. Subasinghe, welcoming World Bank approval for the grant said, "the Gemi Diriya project is a creatively innovative poverty alleviation strategy, one that will nurture the entrepreneurial impulse at the grassroots level." The project objective is to assist the recipient in its efforts to improve the livelihood and quality of life of its rural communities in the Uva and the Southern Provinces in Sri Lanka. This objective will be achieved through devolving decision -making power and resources to community organizations, strengthening selected local Governments that demonstrate responsiveness and accountability to rural communities, and working with federations of Village Organizations, the private sector, and NGOs on economic empowerment to increase the size and diversity of livelihood. An Innovative Seed Fund will help pilot innovative ideas which need experimentation, learning, and gestation that have the potential for being scaled - up and replicated, including, among others, the development of new economic activities with value- added products for livelihood improvement, and the provision of access to information technology and communication to rural communities. The "Gemi Diriya" Project will be implemented by the Gemi Diriya Foundation (GDF), a company incorporated and registered under the Sri Lanka Companies Act ( No. 17 of 1982). The GDF, headed by a Chief Executive Officer and a Board of Directors, must remain, among other things, committed to the objectives of the project and maintain financial transparency, and conduct its operations and affairs in accordance with sound financial standards and practices with qualified and experienced management. The Executive Board including the French, the US, the UK, Spain, African and Austrian Chairs unanimously commended the design of the Gemi Diriya Project. Its vision encompasses a new thinking of empowering communities to plan, implement and monitor development with a set of principles of good governance with accountability and cost sharing with greater dependence on their capacities and partnerships with the outside world for reducing rural poverty. Embassy of Sri Lanka Washington DC USA 30 March 2004

Published: 26 March 2004

Welcoming Senate approval for the U.S. - Sri Lanka Tax Treaty, U.S. Treasury Secretary Snow says, that the tax treaty will expand U.S. economic relations with Sri Lanka, an important trading partner in the developing world Sri Lanka's Envoy to the United States, Ambassador Subasinghe says that the Double Taxation agreement is a milestone in the Sri Lanka U.S. business relationship The United States Senate approved the US-Sri Lanka Double Taxation Agreement and the Protocol Amending the Convention between the Government of Sri Lanka and the US Government for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion on March 26, 2004. The proposed tax treaty with the US was first signed in 1985. The Protocol Amending the Convention between the Government of Sri Lanka and the US Government for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with Respect to Taxes on Income, was signed in Washington DC in September 2002. The agreement with Sri Lanka represents the first tax treaty between the two countries. Welcoming Senate approval for the US-Sri Lanka Tax Treaty, Treasury Secretary Snow said, "[t]his tax treaty will expand our economic relations with Sri Lanka, an important trading partner in the developing world, and is an important step in our ongoing efforts to broaden the reach of our tax treaty network." Sri Lanka's Ambassador to the United States, Ambassador Subasinghe, commenting on Senate approval said, "the conclusion of this Agreement is an important milestone in the developing Sri Lanka -US business relationship benefiting US companies in Sri Lanka and the small but growing Sri Lanka owned companies operating in the US. It is expected to generate greater confidence with US investors wishing to invest in Sri Lanka and would also strengthen the existing framework for the promotion of US investments such as the Bilateral Investment Promotion and Protection Treaty and the Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA)." Further, the Treaty would expand the ongoing discussions under the US-Sri Lanka Trade and Investment Framework agreement aimed at deepening and diversifying trade between the two countries. The proposed Treaty will relieve Double Taxation both in the United States and Sri Lanka through the Foreign Tax Credit Mechanism. It will also provide for non-discriminatory treatment by one country to residents and nationals of the other. Further, the Treaty includes an exchange of information provisions that generally follows the US Model. Sri Lanka has confirmed its ability to obtain and exchange key tax related information. Following ratification by the Senate, the Treaty and the Protocol will come into force upon a bilateral exchange of Instruments of Ratification. Sri Lanka had previously ratified the agreement. The exchange of instruments of ratification is projected for the second quarter of 2004. Embassy of Sri Lanka Washington DC USA 26 March 2004

Published: 10 March 2004

• 56th Anniversary of Independence of Sri Lanka Celebrations in Hawaii
• Independence Dinner for USPACOM
• Consular Corps Hawaii Inc Inaugural Ball

56th Anniversary of Independence of Sri Lanka Celebrations in Hawaii On February 7th Saturday, at the invitation of Honorary Consul for Sri Lanka in Hawaii, Ms Kusuma Cooray the Sri Lankan community gathered at the University of Hawaii's Ka'Ikena Dining Room to celebrate the 56th Anniversary of Independence of Sri Lanka. The proceedings started with lighting of the traditional oil lamp by 7 community members. The Honorary Consul Kusuma Cooray made a welcome speech and introduced the Guests of Honor for the evening - the 5 Sri Lankan Armed Forces officers and a Professor from the General Sir John Kotelawala Defence Academy who are presently in Hawaii as participants at the Asia Pacific Center for Security Studies (APCSS). APCSS participants with Honorary Consul Kusuma Cooray. In the picture left to right - Brigadier Nimal Jayasuriya, Air Commodore Roshan Gunatilake, Professor Dayani Panagoda, Ms. Kusuma Cooray, Commodore Harsha Mayadunna, Brigadier Mendaka Samarasinghe and Brigadier Mohanthi Peiris Messages sent by the President of Sri Lanka H.E. Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga, the Prime Minister Honourable Ranil Wickremasinghe and Foreign Minister Tyronne Fernando were read out. Commodore Harsha Mayadunne from the Sri Lanka Navy offered the vote of thanks and Lalith Jayawickrema presented a slide show on Sri Lanka which was the highlight of the evening. Finally the dinner prepared by the community members was enjoyed by all. Mrs Kusuma Cooray thanked the community and her committee for helping her put this event together. Independence Dinner for USPACOM On February 19th, 2004, the Honorary Consul for Sri Lanka in Hawaii, Mrs Kusuma Cooray hosted a dinner as a part of the ongoing celebrations for the 56th Anniversary of Independence of Sri Lanka. The dinner was held at the University of Hawaii's Tamarind Room. The guests of honor were the Commanding General U.S. Army Pacific, General James T. Campbell and Mrs. Carol Campbell, General William Begert Commander Pacific Air Force and Mrs. Begert, and Commander Marine Forces General W.C. Gregson. Other guests were Honorary Consul of Denmark and the Dean of the Consular Corps Larry Vogel, and Mrs. Anna Lisa Vogel, Chancellor Dr. John Morton and Mrs. Willow Morton. Mr. Fred Honda GM of the Halekulani and Mrs. Julie Honda, Dr. Robert Lee and Mrs. Bertie Lee. The 5 officers from the Sri Lankan Military (Brigadier Nimal Jayasooriya, Brigadier Mohanthi Peiris, Brigadier Mendaka Samarasinghe, Commodore Harsha Mayadunne, Air Commodore Roshan Goonethilleke and Professor Dayani Panagoda from KDA also attended the dinner.) At the 56th Independence celebration dinner hosted by Honorary Consul Kusuma Cooray - In the picture left to right - Brigadier Nimal Jayasuriya, Air Commodore Roshan Gunatilake, Mrs Julie Honda, General James T Campbell, Ms Kusuma Cooray - Consul Sri Lanka, General W.C. Gregson, Mrs Anna Lisa Vogel General Begert made the first toast to Sri Lanka. In his speech, General Begert reminisced about his visit to this beautiful South Asian island and praised its people and culture. Chancellor John Morton and Consul Larry Vogel too proposed a toast to Sri Lanka and its people. Consul Cooray spoke and thanked all the Commanding Generals for their support and assistance extended to Sri Lanka. She invited them to visit Sri Lanka and mentioned that since they frequently visited other South Asian countries to please include Sri Lanka in their itineraries as well. Consul Cooray also conveyed greetings to the Generals from His Excellency Ambassador Devinda Subasinghe. Consular Corps Hawaii Inc Inaugural Ball The Consular Corps of Hawaii which was established in 1824, held their Inaugural Ball on February 20, 2004 at the Kahala Mandarin Oriental, in the Maile Ballroom. 300 guests of the consuls attended the ball. The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court Hawaii Justice Moon Swore in the Executive Committee. Consul of Denmark Larry Vogel was sworn in as the President of the Executive Committee and the Dean of the Consular Corps. The swearing in ceremony was followed by a sit down dinner. The first item on the dinner agenda was a toast to Sri Lanka in honour of its 56th Independence Anniversary. A toast to Sri Lanka was made by Consul Ms Kusuma Cooray. The chief guests at the Sri Lankan table hosted by Consul Kusuma Cooray were Deputy Commanding General US Army Pacific, Lt Gen William Brandenberg and Mrs. Brandenberg. Chancellor John Morton and Mrs. Morton, Brigadier Mohanthi Pieris and Prof. Dayani Panagoda from Sri Lanka were among the guests. Embassy of Sri Lanka Washington DC USA 10 March 2004

Published: 04 March 2004

Ambassador Ronald J. Sorini was appointed an Honorary Consul for Sri Lanka in the State of Illinois. Ambassador Sorini currently serves as the President of the Trade Negotiations and Legislative Affairs practice at Sandler, Travis and Rosenberg, P.A. (ST&R). As the Honorary Consul for Sri Lanka, Ambassador Sorini will provide protocol services for ranking Sri Lankan officials visiting the United States and will be the point of contact for leading politicians, businessmen, members of academe and professionals of Sri Lanka in the areas of trade, business, and tourism. Ambassador Sorini has been a champion of Sri Lanka for many years working to enhance trade between the U.S. and Sri Lanka and helping the country to attract private direct investment. Sandler, Travis and Rosenberg, P.A. has been providing consultancy and advisory services to the Government of Sri Lanka and to the private sector for many years. Ambassador Sorini has been involved in international trade matters for over 20 years. Prior to joining ST&R in December 1999, he served as a Senior Vice President for International Development and Government Relations at Fruit of the Loom, a textile and apparel company, where he played a leadership role in numerous legislative activities that had a tremendous impact on the U.S. textile and apparel industry. During the term of President George H. W. Bush, Ambassador Sorini served as the U.S. Chief Textile Negotiator at the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative from 1989 – 1993. Mr. Sorini was nominated by President Bush for the rank of Ambassador in 1990 to conduct international trade negotiations. During his tenure at USTR, Ambassador Sorini negotiated over 50 international trade agreements, including aspects of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT). Ambassador Sorini can be reached at: 225 W. Washington Street Suite 1550 Chicago, IL 60606 Tel: 312 641 0000 Fax: 312 651 0005 Embassy of Sri Lanka Washington DC USA 04 March 2004

Published: 04 March 2004

Speaking on U.S. - Sri Lanka trade relations, Senator Richard Lugar says strong commercial relationship can also help improve internal stability in Sri Lanka The United States Senate Committee on Foreign Relations held a hearing on the US -Sri Lanka Double Taxation Agreement and Protocol on February 25, 2004. The hearing was chaired by Senator Richard Lugar (R-Indiana). Ms. Barbara M. Agnus, International Tax Counsel of the Department of Treasury, Mr. John Yin, Chief of Staff of the Congress Joint Committee on Taxation and Mr. William A. Reinsch, President of the National Foreign Trade Council testified at the hearing, the first step towards US ratification of the Agreement. The agreement with Sri Lanka represents the first tax treaty between the two countries. The proposed tax treaty with the US was first signed in 1985. The Protocol Amending the Convention between the Government of Sri Lanka and the US Government for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with Respect to Taxes on Income, was signed in September 2002. Hon. Milinda Moragoda, former Minister for Economic Reform, Science and Technology and the Hon. Christina Rocca, US assistant Secretary of State for South Asian Affairs, singed the Agreement on behalf of their respective governments. The Tax Treaty was not acted upon by the Senate at the time (1986) since changes made to the US International Tax Rules by the Tax Reform Act of 1986 necessitated revisions to the Agreement. The proposed tax protocol, which was signed in September 2002, amends the 1985 convention to reflect changes in domestic laws since 1985, as well as, developments in US Tax Treaty Policy and include modifications that better reflect US Tax Treaty Preferences. Senator Lugar (R-Indiana) chairing the meeting observed that the United States is Sri Lanka's largest export market, with almost 40 per cent of Sri Lanka's exports destined for the US, while American businesses sell significant amounts of wheat, electrical machinery, textile, medical instruments and other products in Sri Lanka. Over 90 US companies have more than US$500 million invested in Sri Lanka, and these companies stand to benefit from the Protocol's prevention of double taxation on revenue earned. Sri Lanka's Ambassador to the United States, Ambassador Subasinghe commenting on the hearing said, "this proposed treaty will provide an effective impetus for further strengthening US- Sri Lanka trade relations, and will also enhance the groundwork for a proposed free trade partnership with the US. It has the potential to significantly attract US investments to re-investment in Sri Lanka, as well as, encourage a growing number of Sri Lanka businesses into the United States. The conclusion of this Agreement is expected to generate greater confidence with US investors wishing to invest in Sri Lanka and would also strengthen the existing legal framework for the promotion of US investments such as the Bilateral Investment Promotion and Protection Treaty and the Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA)." Ms. Barbara Angus emphasized that Sri Lanka has been a significant economic and political partner of the US for many years and strengthening its economic relations with Sri Lanka would also help the island achieve growth and political stability. Senator Lugar too, reiterated the importance of economic development for political stability in the country. Mr. William Reinsch, testifying before the Committee supported early ratification of the Treaty and highlighted that the Treaty would expand the ongoing discussions under the US-Sri Lanka Trade and Investment Framework agreement aimed at developing and diversifying trade between the two countries. The bilateral tax treaties are the primary means of eliminating tax barriers to trade and investment. The proposed Treaty will relieve Double Taxation both in the United States and Sri Lanka through the Foreign Tax Credit Mechanism. It will also provide for non-discriminatory treatment by one country to residents and nationals of the other. Further, the Treaty includes an exchange of information provisions that generally follows the US Model. Sri Lanka has confirmed its ability to obtain and exchange key tax related information. The Government of Sri Lanka has fulfilled all legal processes with regard to the Treaty and the Protocol. The Sri Lanka Tax Treaty has been unanimously approved by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Following ratification by the Senate, the Treaty and the Protocol will come into force upon a bilateral exchange of Instruments of Ratification. Embassy of Sri Lanka Washington DC USA 04 March 2004 Click here for the testimony at the hearing