IFIMES: Award for Sri Lankan Minister of Foreign Affairs for Special Contribution to Reconciliation and Coexistence

The International Institute for Middle Eastern and Balkan Studies (IFIMES) has awarded a high distinction for "special contribution to reconciliation and coexistence of different groups in Sri Lanka" to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Sri Lanka, Mangala Samaraweera, IFIMES announced, reports the Patria News Agency.

The award was presented to him by the Vice-President of the IFIMES Advisory Board, Prof. Dr. Ernest Petrič, former President of the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Slovenia.

Dr. Petrič emphasized the role and contribution of Minister Samaraweera to reconciliation and coexistence of different groups in Sri Lanka and his efforts towards establishing stability and peace in the region. As a distinguished politician, he has contributed to the consolidation of democracy in his homeland; as a statesman and diplomat, he has contributed to cooperation in the region and beyond. The IFIMES International Institute believes it is particularly important to emphasize Minister Samaraweera's role in the development of Sri Lanka as a successful and just multi-ethnic, multi-cultural, religiously diverse, and multilingual state.

The Director of the Institute, Dr. Zijad Bećirović, addressed the attendees at the award ceremony, emphasizing, among other things, that differences can be overcome and agreements reached even on the most difficult issues. It is necessary to be prepared to overcome differences in our views and lives, which further enriches us.

Minister Samaraweera thanked for the high distinction and, in his ceremonial speech, highlighted Sri Lanka's role in regional and international relations, emphasizing that he will continue to make efforts and endeavors for an active role and cooperation in the region, for reconciliation and coexistence in Sri Lanka, and in the international community.

After receiving the high distinction, Minister Samaraweera gave a lecture titled "Democracy, Reconciliation, and Development - The Vision of a New Sri Lanka." In addition to the institute's leadership, representatives of public life from Slovenia and the region participated in the event. The discussion after the lecture with Minister Samaraweera was moderated by Bakhatyar Aljaf, Director of IFIMES.