SLIIR to be re-named after Lakshman Kadirgamar

On a proposal made by Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapakse, the Cabinet has decided to rename the Sri Lanka Institute of International Relations (LIIR) as the Lakshman Kadirgamar Institute of International Relations and Strategic Studies. The late Minister Kadirgamar has worked tirelessly to establish a strategic studies institute in Sri Lanka, which was a long felt need, states a media release from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

In making the proposal to the Cabinet, the Prime Minister said: "The contribution made to safeguard the unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Sri Lanka by the late Mr. Kadirgamar in his capacity as the country's Foreign Minister is invaluable. His role in elevating Sri Lanka to its true identity has enabled Sri Lanka to portray itself as a respectable nation in the international scene."

Emphasising on the need to continue the work done by the late Foreign Minister, the Prime Minister suggested the renaming of the SLIIR after him "to honour the memory of this great son of Sri Lanka and also as a mark of respect". This, he said, would also recognise the dedication with which Minister Kadirgamar nurtured this institute.

The Prime Minister also proposed that the Government erect a statue of the late Minister Kadirgamar at a prominent place in Colombo.

Accordingly, the Cabinet has decided to appoint a Sub Committee chaired by Foreign Minister Anura Bandaranaike, and consisting of Ministers Mangala Samaraweera, Dinesh Gunawardena and Ferial Ashraff to implement the proposal.