Consulate General of Sri Lanka, Toronto

Sri Lanka and Venezuela agree to forge closer bilateral ties

15-

As part of an Asian tour undertaken to promote closer cooperation between the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela and Asian countries, the Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs for Asia, Middle East and Oceania of Venezuela, Ruben Dario Molina visited Sri Lanka from 24 to 28 August 2019.

The Venezuelan dignitary held official talks with the State Minister of Foreign Affairs, Vasantha Senanayake on 27 August at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where both sides discussed modalities to forge closer cooperation between the two countries.

A draft Agreement to formalize a Political Consultation mechanism between the two Foreign Ministries, enabling a structured dialogue and enhancing bilateral ties for the mutual benefit of the two countries was discussed. Furthermore, a draft Agreement on the Exemption of Visas for holders of Diplomatic and Service passports was also shared with the Sri Lankan side with a view to facilitating official travel between Sri Lanka and Venezuela.

During the meeting, Sri Lanka emphasized its increased focus towards the Latin America region and both countries committed themselves towards a Road map to renew and expand their trade and economic cooperation, as well as, people to people contacts.

State Minister Senanayake conveyed the best wishes of President Maithripala Sirisena to the Government and the people of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. Venezuela is the current Chair of the Non Aligned Movement (NAM) of which Sri Lanka is a founding member.

Foreign Secretary Ravinatha Aryasinha and senior Foreign Ministry officials were associated with State Minister Senanayake at the meeting. Vice Minister Molina was accompanied by Mr. Nestor Enrique Lopez, Minister Counsellor of the Venezuelan Embassy in New Delhi, which is concurrently accredited to Sri Lanka.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Colombo

28 August 2019

Text in Sinhala (PDF)

Text in Tamil (PDF)

"Island of Ingenuity" promoted in Toronto

2_1

The Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Toronto arranged the Information & Communication Technology / Business Process Management (ICT/ BPM) promotional workshop “Island of Ingenuity” on 12 August 2019 at Edward Hotel, Toronto, Ontario. The Advisor to the team working as the Sectoral Expert for the ICT/ BPM sector in Sri Lanka, Ruwindhu Peiris participated in the event as the resource person. The workshop was attended by Sri Lankan expatriates engaging in the ICT sector.

The aim of this initiative was to leverage Sri Lanka’s Diaspora network to help transform the industry by tapping into their networks and unraveling opportunities for Sri Lanka’s ICT/BPM sector. Sri Lanka’s National Export Strategy 2022 targets to elevate IT/BPM sector and achieve a target of USD 5 billion in export revenues, 200,000+ new jobs and 1,000 new start ups.

Event on Sri Lanka Day-2019

Appointment of Lt. Gen. Shavendra Silva, Commander of the Sri Lanka Army

Media Release

Appointment of Lt. Gen. Shavendra Silva, Commander of the Sri Lanka Army

With reference to comments that have appeared since the above appointment, the following is noted:

• The appointment of the Army Commander of Sri Lanka is a sovereign decision by the Head of State.

• Foreign entities trying to influence the decisions and internal administrative processes of public service promotions in Sri Lanka is unwarranted and unacceptable.

• Articulating a position of concern on this appointment by certain bilateral partners and international organizations, based on allegations, is regrettable and contrary to the principles of natural justice espoused by all responsible members of the international community.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Colombo

20 August 2019

-------------------------------

Sri Lanka participates in the 8th annual One World One Family multicultural festival

20190819-1

The Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Toronto, as a part of the country promotion/tourism promotion program 2019, participated in the 8^th annual One World One Family multicultural festival held in Erin, Ontario from 4 to 5 August 2019. The event showcased products, games, crafts, cultural heritages and performances from 28 different countries around the world.

The Consulate’s participation facilitated promotion of Ceylon tea and Sri Lanka tourism by raising awareness among the participants on Sri Lanka’s rich culture, history of Ceylon tea and travel information. Ceylon Tea samples from Dimbula, Nuwara Eliya, Kandy, Uva, Uda Pussellawa, Ruhuna and Sabaragamuwa regions, were displayed. Hot tea from the above regions was also served to the visitors.