President Mahinda Rajapaksa received an award from Bolivia in recognition of his contribution to peace and democracy.

President Rajapaksa receives peace and democracy award from Bolivia

The Presidential Spokesperson and International Media Unit notes that the award is the highest honour awarded by the Plurinational State of Bolivia.

Álvaro García Linera, vice president of Bolivia and president of the Legislative Assembly, presented President Mahinda Rajapaksa with the ‘Parliamentary Order Merit Democratic Representative Marcelo Quiroga Santa Cruza” at the Legislative Assembly in La Paz, Bolivia, on Monday.

Bolivia notes that President Mahinda Rajapaksa was selected for the honour for having defeated terrorism and established peace and development in Sri Lanka.

The Presidential Spokesperson and International Media Unit said the award also recognizes President Rajapaksa’s commitment to human rights and his initiative to improve and expand relations with South America, including Bolivia.

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon was also scheduled to receive the award.

President Rajapaksa also held bi-lateral talks with his Bolivian counterpart Evo Morales on Monday.

During the discussion, President Morales expressed his willingness to work closely with Sri Lanka.

President Morales inquired about Sri Lanka’s political, economic, industrial, export and import sectors and showed particular interest in Sri Lanka’s apparel sector.

While stating that his visit to Bolivia is a new beginning in diplomatic, economic and trade relations with South American nations, President Rajapaksa said establishing relationships with new nations is a part of the Government’s policy.

President Morales also accepted President Rajapaksa’s invitation to visit Sri Lanka.

Following the conclusion of bilateral talks, President Morales hosted a colorful ceremony with military honors for President Rajapaksa at the Presidential Palace.

 

Read more here – http://newsfirst.lk/english/2014/06/president-receives-peace-democracy-award-bolivia/40374