Sri Lanka High Commission in Ottawa

Ms. Maryaam Rehman, Director, British Council

Excellencies,

Ladies and gentlemen,

It is my great pleasure to deliver this final keynote address at the “Youth in Climate Action” Virtual Conference.  My congratulations to the British Council for organizing this virtual conference on a very timely and important topic, especially as the world eagerly awaits the outcome of the COP 26 which is to commence shortly in Glasgow.

Climate change is no longer a looming threat!  It is real and its devastating impacts are being felt the world over.  Increasing in its intensity over the years, climate change has evolved in to an existential threat to many, causing significant damage to life, property, livelihoods and national economies.  It has given rise to new challenges, such as climate refugees and rendered our future uncertain.

The outlook for the world is not promising. In December last year, the Secretary General of the United Nations urged countries to declare a “climate emergency” and at present over 35 countries have responded to this call. The recent report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change declaring that we are likely to reach the threshold of 1.5˚C increase in global temperatures by the early 2030s and exceed 2˚C this century, is a strong warning for all of us. Unless we adopt stringent measures to limit global emissions, we place entire humanity is at risk, especially the generations that will follow after us.

It is this future that will be inherited by our younger generation, the world’s youth, who make up 1.8 billion of the global population.  According to the United Nations, it is the largest generation of youth in history. Young people, between the ages of 15-35 years are among the most vulnerable groups in society to the adverse impacts of climate change. As such, their participation is crucial in all our mitigation and adaptation efforts and any initiative seeking solutions for this crisis.

Ladies and gentlemen,

1/4th of Sri Lanka’s population are young people. While youth are the most exposed of social groups to the impacts of this crisis, I firmly believe that they could play an important role as advocates and champions of climate action. They have the potential to be creators of innovative and creative solutions and influence official policies.

Young people the world over, including in Sri Lanka, are making significant contributions towards global efforts on addressing climate change. Our young people too have been instrumental in such efforts, including creating awareness, building resilience and capacity and conducing outreach programmes, both at national and international levels. They have also been involved in promoting sustainable initiatives and participating in efforts to protect the environment and ecosystems.

I am happy to note that several government Ministries and agencies as well as other stakeholders work closely with young people on climate change initiatives in Sri Lanka. The Ministry of Environment has conducted the “Youth Forum on Climate Change” to engage young people in climate change awareness creation processes and to build their capacities to address climate impacts. Youth have also participated in several initiatives led by the Climate Change Secretariat of Sri Lanka.

Ladies and gentlemen,

I understand that our youth have also been engaged in Sri Lanka’s contributions to international processes on climate change. We are keen to ensure that youth are provided the opportunity to engage in these global climate policy processes and continue to support those who are engaged in such activities. It is indeed admirable that these youth have been able to highlight at international fora, climate action efforts undertaken by the country and young people such as themselves, thereby confirming the valuable role they play as advocates for climate change initiatives.

Sri Lanka’s youth have continued to shine on global platforms promoting climate action. They participated at the recent “Youth4Climate Summit” which was concluded last month in Italy, as part of the Pre-COP activities. I understand that they were actively engaged in promoting youth positions related to thematic areas of the youth declaration, which will be presented at COP26 on 5th November, during the day of youth in the COP Presidency Agenda. Sri Lanka will also be represented by youth who will be engaged in activities of the COP negotiations, as well as the Conference of Youth which will be held from 28th to 31st of October in Glasgow.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Youth remain one of the key elements in our fight against climate change.  It is imperative that we support them in their efforts to deal with this crisis. I understand that the British Council studies have revealed that the awareness among the young people of Sri Lanka regarding climate, particularly in rural areas, is mostly limited to their personal experiences with adverse climatic conditions. As such, they could benefit from a greater understanding and awareness regarding this crisis. It is our responsibility to ensure that all youth are provided with in-depth knowledge of the implications of climate change, so that they are empowered with the relevant tools to meet this challenge.

This can be achieved by increasing climate literacy and creating spaces for youth to be engaged effectively in climate action related processes.  As such, I understand that the topic of climate change is being considered to be included as a topic in Sri Lanka’s education system by the Ministry of High Education. This is in recognition of the fact that environment and climate related literacy and skills need to be integrated to the education process at all levels.

In addition to the formal education system, the media could also make a substantial contribution towards creating awareness among youth on issues relating to climate change. They could also highlight and support youth action on climate change, especially to carry the message to a greater audience. Such publicity will serve to motivate other youth and also provide them with successful examples of climate action initiatives undertaken by young people.

Ladies and gentlemen,

It is important to recognize the adverse impact that climate change has on different economic sectors and how youth engaged in employment in these areas will be affected.  Climate change will result in new jobs being created and existing jobs to be adapted to suite changing climates, which have an impact on communities and ecosystems.  For example, some youth may no longer be able to engage in traditional livelihoods which their parents practiced such as those relating to agriculture or fisheries, impacted as they may be by climate change.

As such, new jobs such as those relating to information technology and other avenues, such as the creative economy, hold vast potential for young people.  My State Ministry is currently focusing on these new opportunities of employment that are arising for young people, such as those relating to e-commerce or creative economic activities, that are not impacted by issues such as climate change.

In conclusion, I strongly believe that Sri Lanka’s youth have the ability to create innovative and creative solutions to address the impacts of climate change that we could showcase to the world.  To do that, they need our support and encouragement. It is why initiatives such as this virtual conference is so important for today’s youth.

Let me conclude with a quote from Earnest Hemingway:

“The earth is a fine place and worth fighting for.”

Thank you!

(https://mfa.gov.lk/final-keynote-address-sm/)

Foreign Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris called on the Speaker of the House of Commons Sir Lindsay Hoyle on 26 October, 2021.

Minister Prof. Peiris recalling that the Sri Lankan Parliament came into being almost as an exact replica of the Westminster Parliament, stated that Sri Lanka is keen on strengthening of the bonds between the two legislatures. He added that Sri Lanka is considering reforms to its legislative institutions and there is a great deal of discussion on reviving the bicameral legislature that existed prior to 1972. He stated about one-third of the members of the Sri Lankan Parliament are dynamic and energetic MPs below the age of 35.

Minister Prof. Peiris emphasised the need for the strengthening of the committees and more responsibilities being assigned to them. Referring to cooperation in the context of the Commonwealth, he stated that the Commonwealth celebrates diversity and does useful work. Minister Prof. Peiris extended an invitation to Sir Lindsay Hoyle to visit Sri Lanka at a mutually convenient time.

Sir Lindsay agreed that strengthening and empowering of the committees of the Parliament paves the way for proper scrutiny of the work of the Government. As regards the second chamber in a legislature, he opined that the supremacy of the chamber of the elected representatives is important, and the second chamber should not be superfluous. He agreed that the Commonwealth is a family and is about helping each other. Sir Lindsay accepted the invitation to visit Sri Lanka as soon as it is physically possible.

Foreign Ministry

Colombo

28 October, 2021

(https://mfa.gov.lk/fm-calls-speaker-uk/)

Ambassador of the United States of America to Sri Lanka Alaina B. Teplitz paid a farewell call on Foreign Minister Professor G. L. Peiris at the Foreign Ministry.

Minister Peiris discussed with Ambassador Teplitz the future of the bilateral relationship between Sri Lanka and the United States, with particular reference to trade, investment and cooperation in the international fora.

Foreign Ministry

Colombo

21 October, 2021

(https://mfa.gov.lk/us-ambassador-fm/)

The Ambassador of France to Sri Lanka Eric Lavertu paid a courtesy call on Foreign Minister Prof. G. L. Peiris at the Foreign Ministry.

During the meeting, both sides welcomed the multifaceted cooperation and friendship existing between the two countries and underscored the necessity to further strengthen bilateral relations.

The discussion focused on bilateral political relations; inter-parliamentary cooperation; expansion of bilateral trade, investment and tourism; education; as well as issues of mutual interest in regional and multilateral fora.

The resumption of direct flights between Colombo and Paris which would lead to greater connectivity and further consolidate business and tourism ties was welcomed.

Foreign Ministry

Colombo

20 October 2021

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

The Ambassador of the Czech Republic to Sri Lanka Milan Hovorka paid a farewell call on Foreign Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris at the Foreign Ministry on Thursday 14 October 2021.

Minister Peiris welcomed the visiting Ambassador (resident in New Delhi), and underscored the close and cordial relations existing between Sri Lanka and the Czech Republic.  Reciprocating the sentiments of the Foreign Minister, Ambassador Hovorka conveyed his deep appreciation for the strong support extended by the Government of Sri Lanka in further consolidating cooperation between the two countries during his tenure as the Czech Ambassador.

The meeting entailed discussion, inter alia, on the potential for expansion of trade, investment and tourism ties between Sri Lanka and the Czech Republic.  Regional and multilateral issues of relevance were also discussed.  The two sides agreed on the further expansion of bilateral cooperation in a manner suitable to contemporary requirements.  The Ambassador expressed his special appreciation for the assistance extended to Czech nationals in Sri Lanka during the COVID 19 pandemic.

An Agreement on the Transfer of Sentences Persons was entered into between Sri Lanka and the Czech Republic during the visit.  The Meeting was attended by officials of the Foreign Ministry and the Honorary Consul of the Czech Republic in Sri Lanka.

Foreign Ministry

Colombo

17 October 2021

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

The High Commissioner-designate of Sri Lanka to Canada, Harsha Kumara Navaratne called on the Chief of Protocol of Canada, Stewart Wheeler in Ottawa on 15^th October 2021 following his arrival in Canada on 14 October 2021.

The High Commissioner-designate of Sri Lanka, who was warmly welcomed by the Chief of Protocol of Canada, discussed issues of mutual importance and interest.

During the meeting, Mr. Navaratne referred to the speech made by His Excellency Gotabaya Rajapakse, President of Sri Lanka at the United Nations in New York recently, inviting everyone including the international community and all Sri Lankans living abroad to join hands to usher in peace, reconciliation, economic development and prosperity in Sri Lanka. Mr. Navaratne also stated that President Rajapakse had specially invited members of the Sri Lankan diaspora to have a dialogue with him and that he would lead this initiative.

In response, the Chief of Protocol spoke of the richness of multiculturalism and the contribution made to Canada by people from across the world who have made Canada their home. He also shared details of the various outreach programmes and activities organized by the Office of Protocol for Heads of Missions in Canada and invited Mr. Navaratne to join them.

The High Commissioner-designate thanked the Chief of Protocol for the opportunity and concluded by adding that he looked forward to further enhancing the warm ties shared between the two countries during his tenure in Canada.

Sri Lanka High Commission

Ottawa

15 October 2021

The newly appointed High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to Canada, Mr. Harsha Kumara Navaratne assumed duties at the Sri Lanka High Commission in Ottawa on 15^th October 2021. He was received upon arrival at the High Commission by the members of the staff.

Addressing the staff of the High Commission upon assumption of duties, High Commissioner-designate Mr. Navaratne outlined his priorities in Canada and the need to enhance political, economic and people to people ties. He also spoke of the importance in building on the reconciliation efforts underway in Sri Lanka and the need to work with all communities of Sri Lankan heritage. 

Continuing his remarks, Mr. Navaratne mentioned that the doors of the High Commission remains open to anyone looking for assistance and that all were committed to working actively in order to carry out their duties in their efforts to serve the people.

He outlined the need to highlight the potential available in Sri Lanka in order to encourage more trade and investment from Canada. 

The High Commissioner-designate also stated that the President of Sri Lanka had a new approach to promote Sri Lanka as a brand in North America in order to have mutual benefit. He also stated that as the West was focusing on Asia, Sri Lanka could be the peaceful entry into South, South East and East Asia. High Commissioner-designate Navaratne also stated that once he presents credentials, he would be traveling across Canada to meet like-minded groups in order to enhance cooperation and coordination. 

His assumption of duties was marked by a simple ceremony organized by the staff of the High Commission along with milk rice and refreshments in keeping with Sri Lankan tradition. Mrs. D. A. K. Navaratne, spouse and Mrs. T. L Navaratne, the youngest daughter of the High Commissioner-designate, were also present on the occasion. 

High Commissioner-designate Mr. Navaratne has an illustrious and multifaceted career during which he has served as the Founder and Chairperson, Sevalanka Foundation, Commissioner, Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka, Chairperson, International Network of Engaged Buddhist (INEB), Headquarters in Bangkok, Thailand, Executive Member of Peace Prize Committee Niwano Peace Foundation, Tokyo, Japan and Film Producer.

Sri Lanka High Commission

Ottawa

15 October 2021