After overcoming challenge of terrorism:

‘Lanka needs int’l appreciation, encouragement’

With the successful neutralization of terrorism and the conducive environment created for permanent peace, it is Sri Lanka’s urgent plea for the positive revision of the travel advisory on Sri Lanka in Germany, said Healthcare and Nutrition Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva, at the 19th National Independence Day ceremony of Germany.

The Minister said, Sri Lanka-Germany relations are characterised by multifaceted, vibrant engagement not only at a political level but also in substantive engagement in business and economic spheres.

High political level engagement based on common values of democracy, pluralism and human rights have contributed to a greater understanding between the two countries on issues of mutual concern and interest.

He said: I wish to emphasise here the need for greater appreciation of what Sri Lanka, under the leadership of President Rajapaksa with immense difficulty, has managed to overcome.

This is the challenge of terrorism and the fundamental threat it posed to democratic institutions and governance.

Overcoming this challenge was no easy task.

Sri Lanka at this delicate time needs the international community’s appreciation of the challenges we have overcome, and the post conflict challenges need to be appreciated taking into consideration the ground realities.

Charge d’Affairs of the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany Stephen Weckbach and Ministers and officials of German Embassy in Sri Lanka also participated.