Welcoming H.E. Md. Golam Sarwar, Secretary-General of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), the Prime Minister, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, commended the Secretary-General's efforts in promoting regional cooperation and advancing the objectives of SAARC.
Discussion focused on the forthcoming Ministerial Conference on Ending Violence Against Children, which is scheduled to be held in Colombo on 23 June 2026. The Prime Minister emphasized the importance of collective regional action to safeguard the rights, protection, and well-being of children across South Asia.
During the meeting, the Secretary-General briefed the Prime Minister on the ongoing work of the SAARC Secretariat and key regional initiatives being implemented under the SAARC framework. Particular attention was given to SAARC's efforts to strengthen food security and improve child nutrition through enhanced cooperation among member states.
The Prime Minister also emphasized the value of fostering closer engagement between SAARC and other regional organizations to facilitate the exchange of best practices and enhance regional connectivity and cooperation.
Reaffirming Sri Lanka's longstanding commitment to SAARC, the Prime Minister assured the country's continued support for the organization and its initiatives aimed at promoting regional peace, prosperity, and people-centred development.
The meeting was attended by the Director (ESC) of the SAARC Secretariat in Kathmandu, Mr. Waruna Wilpatha, Secretary to the Prime Minister, Mr. Pradeep Saputhanthri, Additional Secretary to the Prime Minister, Ms. Sagarika Bogahawatta, and officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism.
