Foreign Ministry clarifies its invitation to Myanmar to attend BIMSTEC

10 March 2021 11:01 pm - 8 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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In response to the reports on social media regarding the invitation extended to the Foreign Minister of Myanmar to attend the 17th BIMSTEC Ministerial Meeting, the Foreign Ministry said Sri Lanka as the Chair of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) has invited all Member States including Myanmar.

In a statement, the Ministry said Sri Lanka also as the host of the Ministerial Meeting had to invite all Member States to participate in the discussions in order to finalise documents of the 5th BIMSTEC Summit.

Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal and Thailand are among the Member States.

Meanwhile, MP Dr. Harsha de Silva in a Twitter message criticised the Government’s decision to invite the Foreign Minister of Myanmar.

“To recognise Myanmar Military coup by inviting their illegitimate foreign minister for the BIMSTEC summit later this month is a shame Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Minister Dinesh Gunawardena. It only goes to show that Sri Lanka is condoning the crushing of democracy in that country,” Dr. de Silva tweeted.

Myanmar's military recently seized power after detaining Aung San Suu Kyi and other democratically elected leaders. (Sheain Fernandopulle)

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Comments - 8

das Wednesday, 10 March 2021 11:54 PM

Coups and non ligitimate regimes are acceptable to this cabal

Jude Thursday, 11 March 2021 02:27 AM

People foget!! Aung San Suu Kyi very popular among Myanmar people but she can't be the legitimate country leader 'Coz According to Myanmar's rules if the spouse is an FOREIGNER THEN you CAN'T be the leader of the country and that's the case with Suu Kyi !! Yeah her husband a Brit !!

Saranga W Thursday, 11 March 2021 06:46 AM

Gov is in damage control

Gamini Thursday, 11 March 2021 07:57 AM

Just like the saying "Enemy of my enemy is my friend", this is "enemy of democracy is my friend". Invited hence.

ajith77 Thursday, 11 March 2021 09:27 AM

Blunder of foreign affairs minister

Kingsley Wijesinhe Thursday, 11 March 2021 09:57 AM

In other words, Sri Lanka has recognised the illegitimate military government in Myanmar, when the rest of the world has not. In Sinhala, this is called "illan kanawa."

cjhandran Thursday, 11 March 2021 04:39 PM

Sri lanka people and the govt-wish to invite myanmar's foreign ministry to attend BIMSTECH submit.. later they will have the critical situation breaking democracy. What to do no body can defeat fate.

Senaka Thursday, 11 March 2021 04:49 PM

Both countries are same with one exception. We are timid.

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Foreign Ministry clarifies its invitation to Myanmar to attend BIMSTEC

Comments - 8

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