Consulate General of Sri Lanka

Cultural Event to mark the 72nd Independence Day of Sri Lanka in Toronto

2020-02-26

Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Toronto organized a cultural event to mark the 72nd Independence Day of Sri Lanka at the Ontario Science Centre in Toronto on 15 February 2020 with the participation of religious leaders, dignitaries, members of the Consular corps in Toronto and Sri Lankan community residing in Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and its suburbs. There were about 550 expatriate Sri Lankans despite severe weather condition. Member of the Federal Parliament of Canada and Chair of the Canada- Sri Lanka Parliamentary Friendship Group Yasmin Ratansi graced the occasion as the Chief Guest.

The Cultural event commenced with hoisting of the national flag followed by singing of the national anthem of Sri Lanka and the Canadian national anthem. Two minutes silence was observed in memory of those who sacrificed their lives for the motherland followed by lighting the traditional oil lamp by dignitaries and Sri Lankans representing all communities. Multi-faith religious observances were conducted with Buddhist, Hindu, Islam and Christian practices.

Addressing the gathering, Consul General Kapila Jayaweera highlighted the sentiments expressed by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa excerpting from the National Policy Framework of the Government “Vistas of Prosperity and Splendour” and the messages of the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Relations were also read on the occasion. He emphasized that Sri Lankans in GTA to unite and work together for the benefit of them and for the motherland.

Speaking at the occasion, Yasmin Ratansi emphasized the importance of bilateral visits to exchange and understand the ideas important to people, recalling her last two visits to Sri Lanka and requested all Sri Lanka to be united and be solidarity with Sri Lanka.

The cultural performances, which entertained the gathering include various forms of traditional dances and Sri Lankan classical and contemporary music and songs in Sinhala and Tamil. The vibrant performances added colour to the event and depicted the essence of Sri Lankan culture, followed by reception.

Consulate General of Sri Lanka

Toronto

20 February 2019

Flag Hoisting Ceremony to Mark the 72nd Independence Day of Sri Lanka in Toronto

2020-12-13

Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Toronto organized a Flag Hoisting Ceremony as part of the celebrations to mark the 72^nd Independence Day of Sri Lanka at the Legislative Assembly of Ontario on 04 February 2020 with the participation of Speaker of the Legislative Assembly Ted Arnott, Members of the Provincial Parliament, Members of the Consular Corps, dignitaries and Sri Lankan community residing in Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and its suburbs. This is the first time in the history, the Consulate General of Sri Lanka organized a Flag Hoisting Ceremony at the Legislative Assembly of Ontario.

The event commenced with the hoisting of the National Flag by Consul General of Sri Lanka Kapila Jayaweera followed by singing of the National Anthems of Sri Lanka and the Canada.

Addressing the gathering, the Hon. Speaker said that Canada and Sri Lanka have been long standing bilateral partners and expects the relationship to strengthen further.

“Timelines evolved externally would hinder process of reconciliation”: Sri Lanka’s envoy tell the UN Security Council

2020-02-14

“Timelines evolved externally in achieving stated objectives would only seek to hinder the process of reconciliation since they would be bereft of ground realities” emphasized Sri Lanka’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Ambassador Kshenuka Senewiratne during a one day debate at the UN Security Council titled “Peacebuilding and Sustaining Peace: Transitional Justice in conflict and post-conflict situations,” held on 13^th February 2020. She added that when seeking mechanisms of transitional justice, related simple theories would need to also take cognizance of the various historical, cultural and religious sensitivities.

Ambassador Senewiratne stated that the basic tenet of a transitional justice process is the application of its theoretical principles on State obligations and it is the State that needs to pursue truth, justice, reparations and guarantees of non-recurrence. She further explained that the post conflict milieu of each country is unique and those traversing the path of post-conflict transition and reconciliation have often made deliberate efforts to maintain a balance between the speed of the transitional justice process and desired standard which includes inclusiveness and the sustainability.

The Permanent Representative referred to the newly elected President, His Excellency Gotabaya Rajapaksa having pledged to work towards guaranteeing human rights and political and economic freedom for his people in a truly democratic Sri Lanka. She added that the President had also espoused that every citizen of Sri Lanka has the right to live freely and securely, holding independent opinions, following the religion of choice and freedom of association and assembly, being rights that no one can challenge.

The Permanent Representative sought to reiterate that the action by the Sri Lankan security forces during the conflict was against a group designated as a terrorist organization by many countries, and even described as ruthless by some, and not aimed at any community in the country. She elaborated that the modus operandi of suicide attacks adopted by this terrorist group, which for the first time in history deliberately targeted civilians, is now being emulated expansively by similar groups globally.

Invitation -72nd Independence Day of Sri Lanka

State Minister Susil Premajayantha reiterates need to maintain close ties with neighbouring states

2019-11-29-O

State Minister Susil Premajayantha assumed duties as the State Minister of International Cooperation on 28 November 2019 and was received by Foreign Secretary Ravinatha Aryasinha and other senior officials upon his arrival at the Foreign Ministry in Colombo.

Minister Premajayantha addressing the gathering of senior officials, staff and media at the Ministry, following the assumption of duties, stated that he takes over duties as the State Minister in charge of International Cooperation at a time when President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and his government faces many challenges in addressing prevailing issues in the international sphere. The State Minister reiterated that Sri Lanka will maintain its non-aligned foreign policy and remain an independent and sovereign nation, which maintains friendly relations with all states, especially the regional states and close neighbours with whom Sri Lanka has upheld close and friendly ties over the years.

The State Minister highlighted that he is looking forward to working in close collaboration with Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, Foreign Secretary Aryasinha and the officials of the Ministry in achieving the foreign policy objectives of the country under the leadership of President Rajapaksa.

Ministry of Foreign Relations

Colombo

29 November 2019