Setting up a mechanism for counter terrorism cooperation between EU and Sri Lanka was discussed during the 22nd Joint Commission meeting held in Brussels in February 2019. The horrific Easter Sunday attacks that brought global terrorism to Sri Lanka’s door, added greater urgency to this initiative. In a gesture of solidarity and cooperation in facing this common challenge, the EU responded to the request made by Foreign Minister Tilak Marapana to the High Representative and Vice President of the European Commission Federica Mogherini, to hold a dialogue at the earliest possible.

In the wake of the deep transformation of terrorism globally, and the rise of new phenomena of foreign terrorist fighters and radicalization over social media, the Dialogue provided a platform to harness the shared knowledge from countries that have been facing this threat over many years, and strengthen Sri Lanka’s capacity to prevent attacks and prepare adequate response mechanisms.

During their visit for the Ad Hoc Dialogue, the EU delegation also called on President Maithripala Sirisena, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, Leader of the Opposition Mahinda Rajapaksa, Foreign Minister Tilak Marapana, Secretary Defence Gen Shantha Kottegoda and other stakeholders.