The president made these remarks addressing the inauguration ceremony of the 20th Annual Meeting of the Asia/Pacific Group on Money Laundering, commenced in Colombo, yesterday (17th July).

The 2017 APG Annual Meeting and Technical Assistance and Training Forum will be held in Colombo, from 17th – 21st July with the participation of local and foreign delegates from 41 member countries and several international observer organizations.

The President further said that all the countries in the world should be genuinely committed to properly implement the national and international commitments, agreements and declarations on Money Laundering to overcome the challenges faced by all the countries.

The President pointed out that the national economy of each country will be strengthened if the money laundering is prevented as well as it is very important in the international financial management.

The Sri Lankan Government has established strong statutory and legal institutions to deal with misuse of public money and money laundering, the President said that adding those institutions at present efficiently and effectively fulfill their duties.

He also pointed out that a huge amount of money is generated by the terrorist organizations and illegal drug smugglers through the money laundering and said that as a Government which is strongly act against the terrorism at national and international level, is well aware of the importance of preventing money laundering.

The President also emphasized that the Government will take every possible measure to work in accordance with the covenants and treaties entered internationally.