Good evening! Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Vijitha Herath, Secretary General Dr. Reyes, Diplomatic Colleagues and distinguished guests.
"It is a great honor to join you today to celebrate the 74th anniversary of the Colombo Plan, an organization with an inspiring story of growth whose legacy of cooperation and development continues to resonate throughout the world."
"I am proud to underscore the United States’ enduring commitment to support Colombo Plan as its primary donor of programmatic funds targeting counternarcotics and port sector initiatives. I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to our host and to all of you for your dedication to its enduring mission."
"At its core, the Colombo Plan is a story of cooperation, of shared hopes, and of investing in people. Since its establishment in 1951, the Colombo Plan has been a cornerstone of regional cooperation and development."
"Founded by seven Commonwealth nations – Australia, Canada, Sri Lanka, India, New Zealand, Pakistan and the United Kingdom, the Colombo Plan was established with the purpose of enhancing economic and social development in the Asia-Pacific region. Today with 28 member countries, Colombo Plan remains a vital instrument for regional development, unity, and progress."
"The Colombo Plan has made significant contributions to the region, promoting economic growth, social development and regional stability. From engineers and educators to public health professionals and counternarcotic officers, the Colombo Plan has helped build human capital that continues to uplift communities and economies throughout the region."
"The Colombo Plan’s Capacity Building Programme has played a critical role in the development of its members’ human resources. In 2024 and 2025 participants from Sri Lanka, the Maldives, Bangladesh, and other nations have been able to build their capacity in different sectors through implementing agencies in the Republic of Korea and Indonesia."
"I would especially like to acknowledge the transformative work of the Colombo Plan’s Drug Advisory Program. Since 1973, this program has played a leading role in addressing substance use prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation—an issue that affects individuals, families, and communities across borders."
"This past year, the Colombo Plan’s Drug Advisory Program has made significant strides in advancing regional and global cooperation in drug prevention and recovery. In 2024 alone over 2 000 drug demand professionals from 38 countries benefited from training programs focused on prevention treatment recovery support The Drug Advisory Program receives voluntary contributions from several member countries including Thailand South Korea Singapore Pakistan Maldives Malaysia Japan India Why focus on combatting drugs It’s not just about activity statistics at heart we know detrimental impact drugs can have on families schools communities That’s what drives work together"
"Notably ,the Colombo Plan continues serve key partner major U.S efforts combat fentanyl overdose epidemic co-sponsoring National Leadership Forum Drug-Free America Foundation's National Prevention Summit The United States consistent partner effort supporting technical assistance promotes evidence-based approaches regional cooperation fight against illicit drugs"
"Our partnership with Colombo Plan spans decades remain proud support mission From counternarcotics initiatives maritime sector advisory support United States contributed various programs lasting impact region"
"In fact earlier week United States donated lab equipment government Sri Lanka help combat scourge fentanyl synthetic drugs This equipment will also be donated other nations region technicians already training equipment here donation training Sri Lanka team effort between Sri Lankan government including Minister Foreign Affairs Ministry Public Security Colombo Plan United States"
"In addition United States partnered with Colombo Plan invest human capital through targeted training Sri Lanka Ports Authority staff including engineers port operators administrative officials These efforts designed enhance operational efficiency align port operations international standards prepare sector future demands particularly areas cybersecurity digitalization By supporting professional development those who keep Sri Lanka ports running smoothly we are not only contributing island economic resilience but also reinforcing broader global supply chain recognizing manufacturers retailers rely safe efficient movement goods through Port Colombo final destinations"
"As President Colombo Plan Council I want reaffirm United States unwavering commitment organization members As commemorate years enduring legacy important reflect not only achieved move forward strength organization lies collective spirit shared commitment regional progress"
"To sustain expand impact work whether combating drug abuse fostering economic development building technical capacity essential all member states share responsibility support By contributing resources expertise active engagement ensure burden progress carried equitably benefits cooperation reach every corner world Let us continue uphold founding vision partnership mutual assistance defined inception"
"In closing I would like offer deepest appreciation hard work dedication everyone involved Your efforts made significant difference lives countless individuals As celebrate milestone let us reaffirm commitment fostering cooperation promoting development building brighter future Together achieve great things proud walk path look forward many more years fruitful cooperation Thank congratulations remarkable anniversary"
Thank you!