Sri Lanka is ready to host the 18th Session of the CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) in 2019, and a discussion was held under the patronage of President Maithripala Sirisena at the Presidential Secretariat, today (30) regarding the preliminary organization works of this conference.

It is expected that around 4,500 experts from over 187 countries will participate in the Session scheduled for May,2019 in Colombo. Holding this Session in Colombo is a victory that Sri Lanka achieved as a country which is actively engaged in wildlife conservation activities.

During this meeting it was discussed in detail regarding the preparation works of the Sessions to be held successfully. The President also appointed an Additional Secretary for carrying out coordinating works, after vesting the responsibilities to relevant ministries.

Ministers and MPs, including Ministers Gamini Jayawickrama Perera, John Amaratunga, Nimal Siripala de Silva, S.B. Nawinne, Tilak Marapana, Harin Fernando, Deputy Minister Lasantha Alagiyawanna, Secretary to the President Austin Fernando, Officials including Ministry Secretaries participated in this meeting.