Sri Lanka High Commission in Ottawa

Foreign Secretary Jayanath Colombage accepted a donation of medical equipment today (01/09) from Chargè d’ affaires of the Royal Thai Embassy in Colombo Tayatat Kanjanapipatkul at a symbolic ceremony at the Foreign Ministry.  The donation was thereafter handed over to  Secretary, State Ministry of Production, Supply and Regulation of Pharmaceuticals Dr. R.M.S.K. Ratnayake to be distributed to hospitals treating COVID 19 patients islandwide.

The donation comprises 30 oxygen concentrators, 02 ventilators, 108 oxygen tanks, 62 regulators/ cannulae sets, 160 pulse oximeters and 150 personal protective equipment (PPE) sets. This donation includes contributions from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand,  Somdet Phra Nyanasamvara Somdet Phra Sangharaj Wat, Bovoranives Vihara Foundation, Sri Lanka Association of Thailand, Thai-Sri Lanka Chamber of Commerce and the Royal Thai Embassy in Colombo.

The Sri Lanka Embassy in Bangkok coordinated and made the arrangements to send the donation which was air transported by courtesy of Qatar Airways.

Foreign Ministry

Colombo

01 September, 2021

(https://mfa.gov.lk/thailand-sl-fm/)

His Eminence Archbishop Brian Udaigwe, Apostolic Nuncio (the Vatican Ambassador) to Sri Lanka paid a courtesy call on the Foreign Minister Prof. G. L. Peiris on Tuesday 31 August at the Foreign Ministry.

During the meeting, the Foreign Minister explained that one of his first duties in his previous portfolio as Minister of Education was to confer degree awarding status to the Benedict XVI Catholic Institute at Bolawalana, Negombo, which was built by the then Defence Secretary, and present President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and the armed forces. The Minister highlighted the importance of setting up the institution in not only imparting education but also developing social equity for the less privileged segments of society.

The Minister also expressed deep sorrow on the calamitous and horrendous tragedy, and the great deal of pain and suffering undergone by the Catholic Church, and his understanding of the sentiments of the Catholic Church, and the need for justice to bring all those who were responsible before the law.

Alluding to the sensitive nature of the ongoing investigation, the Minister emphasized the need to have an informed discussion with a view to facilitating to resolve the matters with His Eminence Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith and the Catholic Bishop’s Conference at the earliest juncture.

The Minister further stated that the Government understands perfectly the sincere motivation and unendurable anguish of the Catholic Church and its purest of motives.

The Minister drew attention to certain groups who are trying to exploit the situation for their own purposes which he asserted were contrary to the genuine motives of the Catholic Church, highlighting the upcoming session of the United Nations Human Rights Council Session, scheduled to commence on 12 September, and the United Nations General Assembly which is to be held on 21 September, 2021. The Minister remarked that every endeavour should be made to ensure that the purest motives of the Catholic Church are not hijacked, either locally or internationally.

While expressing his sincere appreciation for the attention being received by the Catholic Church and Catholics in Sri Lanka, though they are a minority, the Papal Nuncio indicated that he has not witnessed similar recognition given to Catholics in other countries.

The Apostolic Nuncio suggested that a meeting could be arranged at an early date with a Committee of the Bishop’s Conference, so that the Government could discuss the relevant issues with representatives of the Church.

The Minister expressed appreciation of this opportunity, and said that the government is collecting all particulars from the Attorney General’s Department, the Police and other relevant State agencies to be able to provide the fullest information at the discussion with the Church.

The Apostolic Nuncio wished the Minister of Foreign Affairs every success in his new assignment.

Foreign Ministry

Colombo

01 September, 2021

(https://mfa.gov.lk/fm-sl-apostolic-nuncio/)

The Ambassador of the Kingdom of Norway to Sri Lanka Trine Jøranli Eskedal paid a courtesy call on Foreign Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris on Monday 30 August 2021 at the Foreign Ministry.

During discussions, Foreign Minister Peiris appreciated the mutually beneficial partnership existing between Sri Lanka and Norway, and reiterated the country’s interest to further strengthen cooperation in spheres of synergy and mutual interest.

Ambassador Eskedal elaborated on areas of bilateral interest with emphasis on Norwegian development cooperation, investment in renewably energy, and cooperation in the fishery sector, where Sri Lanka continues to benefit from Norwegian technical expertise and collaboration.  She referred to the potential for investment partnerships with Norway in renewable energy.

The Ambassador Eskedal highlighted strong collaboration in the fishery sector as a cornerstone of the Sri Lanka – Norway partnership.  Reference was made in this regard to research and development collaboration in marine resources, and support towards the development of an ocean strategy.

Reiterating Sri Lanka’s commitment to climate action, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development including transfer to a renewable energy mix, Minister Peiris welcomed technical collaboration with Norway in green energy.

Minister Peiris also welcomed Norwegian scientific and technical cooperation in aqua research and the blue economy, and investment by the prestigious Norwegian Pension Fund in Sri Lanka’s share market.  Reference was made to the potential to further expand cooperation in Information Communication Technology (ICT), tourism, education technology, and value addition in the gem and jewellery industry.

The Foreign Minister apprised the Ambassador on Sri Lanka’s regional and multilateral engagement.  Senior officials of the Foreign Ministry participated in the meeting.

Foreign Ministry

Colombo

31 August 2021

(https://mfa.gov.lk/fm-sl-norway/)

The Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey to Sri Lanka Demet Şekercioğlu paid a courtesy call on Foreign Minister Prof. G. L. Peiris on Wednesday 25 August at the Foreign Ministry.

During discussions, Foreign Minister Peiris highlighted the rich civilizational roots of Turkey, as well as the country’s harmonious co-existence of cultures, which is of interest to the world.  Minister Peiris underscored the importance of bilateral relations between Sri Lanka and Turkey in the political, economic and cultural spheres, and reiterated Sri Lanka’s interest to further elevate existing good relations.

Extending warm felicitations to Foreign Minster Peiris on his new appointment, Ambassador Şekercioğlu emphasised the multifaceted nature of cooperation between Sri Lanka and Turkey comprising strong political ties, as well as cooperation in trade and investment, science and technology, education and culture, among other spheres. Minister Peiris referred to the potential to further expand bilateral trade, and the importance of the Turkish market for Ceylon tea exports.

Minister Peiris also expressed his deep appreciation for the support extended by Turkey in multilateral fora, and welcomed collaboration on thematic areas of mutual interest.

The discussions underscored the need for solidarity and cooperation among nations in addressing the global challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic. Foreign Minister Peiris, in this context, recalled with appreciation the donation of ventilators and personal protective equipment by Turkey to Sri Lanka in February this year.

State Minister for Regional Cooperation Tharaka Balasuriya, Foreign Secretary Admiral Prof. Jayanath Colombage and Senior Officials of the Foreign Ministry participated in the meeting.

Foreign Ministry

Colombo

27 August 2021

(https://mfa.gov.lk/fm-sl-turkey/)

Sri Lanka continues to monitor the developments in Afghanistan and remains concerned about the situation, including its humanitarian aspect.

Sri Lanka has been facilitating, with the assistance of its international partners, evacuation of its citizens from Afghanistan.  As of 30th August 2021, sixty six (66) Sri Lankans have been evacuated and seven (07) more remain to be evacuated while twenty-one (21) Sri Lankans have opted to remain in Afghanistan for the time being.

Sri Lanka hopes that all those who possess travel authorization from other countries will be allowed to proceed in a safe and orderly manner to the points of departure and travel out of Afghanistan.

Foreign Ministry

Colombo

30 August, 2021

(https://mfa.gov.lk/sl-afghan-2/)

Foreign Minister Prof. G. L. Peiris at a courtesy call paid by the High Commissioner of Australia David Holly on 25 August 2021, discussed avenues for advancing bilateral relations with Australia across multiple fields of mutual interest.

While appreciating Australia’s continued assistance on numerous fronts, Foreign Minister Peiris particularly, underlined Sri Lanka’s commitment and interest to enhance cooperation in countering irregular migration by sea, combatting COVID-19, education, technical & vocational training, economic and investment sectors, which was reciprocated by Australia.

High Commissioner Holly extended sincere felicitations on the appointment of the Foreign Minister and reiterated that Australia was ready to assist Sri Lanka in the socio-economic development process.

Being Indian Ocean neighbours, the two sides identified the importance of close collaboration in the maritime field, including in the prevention of future maritime disasters and cooperation in international & regional forums on issues of shared interest.

Foreign Minister Peiris and the Australian High Commissioner Holly also agreed to jointly celebrate the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Sri Lanka and Australia in 2022.

Foreign Secretary Admiral Prof. Jayanath Colombage and senior officials of the Ministry participated in the meeting.

Foreign Ministry

Colombo

26 August, 2021

(https://mfa.gov.lk/fm-sl-australia/)

The Consular Affairs and Overseas Sri Lankans Division of the Foreign Ministry authenticates various documents through the Electronic Documentation Attestation System (e-DAS), which was implemented in 2017, facilitating Sri Lankans to travel abroad mainly for job employment and higher studies. Under Pre-COVID-19 environment, more than 1000 service seekers from different areas of the country obtained assistance daily through this system.  The Electronic Document Attestation(e-DAS) is carried out through an innovate digital platform, aimed at improving and streamlining the service with speedy process, which is linked in real time with Sri Lankan Missions abroad, Foreign Missions based in Colombo, Regional Consular offices, as well as other government institutes.

In addition to verifying documents, other services such as facilitating payment of compensation, unpaid salaries, and social security entitlements to the beneficiaries; repatriation of human remains of Sri Lankan nationals and Sri Lankan origin foreign passport holders; facilitating the repatriation of stranded and destitute Sri Lankans abroad; and getting fishing vessels and fishermen in foreign custody released are facilitated by this division. Also, Regional Consular Offices established under the programme on Decentralization of Consular Services within the purview of the Ministry.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ministry was compelled to limit the number of officers at the Ministry as well as public visits, adhering to the public health guidelines and restrictions imposed to prevent COVID-19 transmission. Though, as precautionary measures, amidst some restrictions, the Consular Affairs and Overseas Sri Lankans Division continued its services to the public, taking into consideration their urgent requirements with a limited number of staff and resources. Hence, the public in need have had to wait longer than the usual time in the queue to obtain consular services.

The Consular Affairs and Overseas Sri Lankans Division hopes to resume normal service at the earliest possible opportunity.

Foreign Ministry

Colombo

25 August, 2021

(https://mfa.gov.lk/fm-consular/)