Press briefing of Cabinet Decision taken on 2017-07-25

Obtaining accreditation status for Sri Lanka in the Economic Community of the West African States (ECOWAS)

- The Economic Community of the West African States (ECOWAS) was established in the year 1995 with the objective of enhancing the living standards of the people in the West African countries, maintaining and expanding the economic stability, fostering the relations among member countries and contributing to the progress and development of the African Continent and it has a membership of 15 West African countries. Out of those countries, Sri Lanka maintains diplomatic relations with 12 countries.

It is important to obtain the accreditation status for Sri Lanka in the above Community as Sri Lanka focuses in developing and expanding its relations with Africa, especially in the field of economic activities. Accordingly, the proposal made by Hon. Ravi Karunanayake, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, to pursue action in this regard, was approved by the Cabinet.