Saarc Women’s Association- Sri Lanka Chapter – Recognised As Swa Regional Headquarters Celebrates 35Th Saarc Charter Day

10 February 2020 10:21 am Words : Indika Madapatha Sellahewa Photos : Nirmala Dhananjaya SAARC Women’s Association Sri Lanka Chapter, celebrated SAARC Charter Day at a lavish event with eminent dignitaries from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and all SAARC countries gathered to share the common goal to reaffirm their determination to promote regional cooperation, recognising that increased understanding among the countries of the region contribute to the promotion of friendship among their people. Immense effort by the members coupled with cultural performances made it a memorable event.Among the distinguished Guests were Ms. Aruni Ranaraja Director - General SAARC & SOUTH ASIA of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Director, SAARC Cultural Centre, Ms. Renuka Ekanayake, His Excellency, M. Ashraf Haidari, Ambassador, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, His Excellency Omar Abdul Razzak, Ambassador of Republic of Maldives, dignitaries of all other SAARC Diplomatic Missions, Mrs. Krishanti Weerakoon, fomer Director foreing Affaires and wife of Mr. Esala Weerakoon, Senior Additional Secretary to His Excellency President Gotabhaya Rajapakse, SAARC Secretary General Elect for Kathmandu who will take office in March 2020. Speaking on behalf of members of the Sri Lanka Chapter, President, Roshnie de Saram in her welcome address acknowledged the heart-warming representation from all SAARC bodies, this being their first official Charter Day Celebration. She said steady progress has been made over their past 23 years of operations including the mandate given as A SAARC Recognised Body in 2005. She announced the Sri Lanka Chapter’s recent achievement of being considered the Regional Headquarters for all SAARC Women’s Associations and thanked the SAARC Secretariat, Kathmandu for the endowment received and the immense support throughout and continuing. Eloquent MC of the evening, member Maya Mahbubani delineated SAARC Women’s Association, Sri Lanka Chapter as being established in 1996 for the promotion of cultural integration, friendship and harmony, and better understanding between women of the SAARC region. The Association’s mission is to make the ties of friendship between the SAARC countries stronger, the focal point being the Foreign Ministry and the close association with the SAARC Cultural Centre in Sri Lanka.

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