Secretary Defence attends "South Africa - Sri Lanka Joint Dialogue on post conflict Reconciliation" conference

Secretary Defence and Urban Development Mr. Gotabaya Rajapaksa attended the "South Africa Sri Lanka Joint Dialogue on post conflict Reconciliation" as the chief guest. The two day conference began today (25th October) at the Lakshman Kadirgamar Institute for International Relation and Strategic Studies in Colombo.

It is the first such joint seminar to be held between Sri Lanka and South Africa and there will be a series of closed door discussions on Sri Lanka's journey towards sustainable reconciliation.

A number of eminent guest speakers from South Africa who will share their experiences with the Sri Lankan participants on the topics of politics, amnesty, history, role and purpose of the truth and reconciliation commission and the meaning of reconciliation.

Minister of External Affairs Hon. Prof. GL Peiris and South African High Commissioner to Sri Lanka His Excellency Mr. HEQGM Doidge made their introductory remarks during the morning Session.

Commander of the Air Force, Air Marshal Harsha Abeywickrama, military high ranking officials and a large number of foreign and local dignitaries were present at the occasion.