SAARC Secretary-General Pays Farewell Call on Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya

 The Secretary-General of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), H.E. Md. Golam Sarwar, paid a farewell courtesy call on Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya at Temple Trees on June 22.

Welcoming the outgoing Secretary-General, Prime Minister Amarasuriya commended his efforts in strengthening regional cooperation and advancing the objectives of SAARC during his tenure.

Discussions during the meeting focused on the forthcoming Ministerial Conference on Ending Violence Against Children, scheduled to be held in Colombo on June 23, 2026. The Prime Minister underscored the importance of collective regional action to protect the rights, safety, and well-being of children across South Asia.

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 efforts aimed at enhancing food security and improving child nutrition through greater cooperation among member states.

Prime Minister Amarasuriya also emphasized the importance of fostering stronger engagement between SAARC and other regional organizations to facilitate the exchange of best practices and further strengthen 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 focused on promoting regional peace, prosperity, and people-centred development.

The meeting was attended by 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.