- Error
Consulate General of Sri Lanka, Toronto
SRI LANKA PLAYS AN ACTIVE ROLE AT THE CS 76 IN BANGKOK
The seventy-sixth session (CS 76) of the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) was successfully conducted on a virtual platform for the first time in its history, due to the COVID 19 situation, on 21 May 2020, in Bangkok. The CS 76 deliberated on ‘Promoting economic, social and environmental cooperation on oceans for sustainable development’, reiterating commitments to realize SDG 14 on ‘life below water’, as its key theme for the Session. Delegations also engaged on a discussion on ‘Regional cooperation to address the socio-economic effects of the global health crisis’, where Sri Lanka joined in cosponsoring the resolution presented by the Secretariat, emphasizing the need for collaborative action in response to the challenges posed by COVID-19 pandemic to the world and particularly to the developing countries in the most populous Asia and the Pacific Region.
Sri Lanka was also elected by acclamation to the Governing Council of the Asian and Pacific Centre for Transfer of Technology (APCTT) for the term 2020-2023, which is the regional body hosted in India, that is focusing on Science, Technology and Innovation; Technology Transfer; Technology Intelligence.
The Sri Lankan delegation led by Sri Lanka’s Permanent Representative to the UNESCAP, Ambassador Samantha K. Jayasuriya, played an active role in showcasing Sri Lanka’s policies and best practices in the thematic area of oceans for sustainable development. Sri Lanka also presented GOSL’s efforts in responding to the COVID-19 health crisis and suggested useful recommendations to the UNESCAP to support its member States in addressing socio-economic impacts.
Making a further submission under the Agenda on regional cooperation to address the socio-economic effects of the global health crisis, the Deputy Permanent Representative, Poornima Gunasekera, elaborated the efforts taken by the Government of Sri Lanka in tackling and mitigating the risks associated with the corona virus pandemic. Presenting Sri Lanka’s recommendations to ESCAP for stronger regional cooperation to ensure a collective response, Ms. Gunasekera stressed on the need for developing a strong platform within UN ESCAP aiming at; sharing experiences and best practices, developing strong regional and global collaboration on enhancing capacity building in public health systems, exchanging technical cooperation and ways to access medical supplies at affordable prices and formulating and implementing macroeconomic policies, and negotiating regional cooperative mechanisms and agreements in trade and investment.
Ambassador Jayasuriya in her capacity as the Chair of the open-ended working group for reviewing the Conference structure of the Commission pursuant to the resolution 73/1, presented the Chair’s summary to the Commission recommending further negotiations on the subject.
Inaugurating the session online, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres stated that the Governments and leaders are grappling with a wide range of challenges that risk recent progress in the Asia-Pacific region and around the world and all have an opportunity to build back better on the foundations of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Prime Minister of Thailand, General Prayuth Chan-o-cha also addressed the session via a video message.
The 76th Commission session, was attended by over 264 delegates, representing 54 Member States and associate members and 8 additional observer countries.
Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka to UNESCAP
Bangkok
23 May 2020
Participating the Eid Lunch hosted by the Association of Progressive Muslims of Canada
Consul General Mr. Thushara Rodrigo joined the Eid Lunch hosted by the Association of Progressive Muslims of Canada (APMC) on 26th April 2023 at the Legislative Assembly of Ontario at Queen Park, Toronto
Members and the officials of the APMC, religious dignitaries, diplomats, Provincial Ministers and Provincial Members of Parliament attended the event.
The Consul General of the United States delivered the speech on behalf of the Consular Corp while few provincial ministers extended their best wishes for the Muslims community in Canada and around the world during their speeches.
They also highlighted that Canada is a unique place where multi-cultural, multiethnic and multi religious values are highly respected and the people from various countries are integrated into the Canadian society. Also, few leading religious dignitaries made few speeches, and the event was followed by lunch.
Some Provincial Ministers and the Members of Provincial Parliament of Ontario shown an interest on the current developments in Sri Lanka and the Consul General shared some information on the constructive approach of the new government for the reconciliation and economic recovery. Also Sri Lanka’s progressive engagement with the world financial mechanisms, the United Nations and Commonwealth Secretariat were highlighted.
Some photographs taken at the Eid lunch are attached.
Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Toronto
26th April 2023
SPECIAL DISCUSSION ON REPATRIATION HELD AT THE DEPARTMENT OF GOVERNMENT INFORMATION
Special discussion chaired by Hon. Bandula Gunawardena, Minister of Information and Mass Media, Higher Education, Technology and Innovation and Co- Cabinet Spokesperson was held today (24 May) at the Department of Government Information. Officials of the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment(SLBFE) and the Ministry of Foreign Relations participated at the discussion.
Full recording of the discussion is at: https://www.facebook.com/newslk/videos/623627001844398/?epa=SEARCH_BOX
Celebration of 75th Anniversary of Independence of Sri Lanka in Toronto
The Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Toronto organized the celebration of the 75th Anniversary of Independence of Sri Lanka on 04 February 2023 with the participation of Sri Lankan-Canadians living in the Ontario province.
Head of the Peel Region Police Chief Nishan Duraiappah and Prof. Sivakumar Gulasingam, both prominent individuals of Sri Lankan heritage in Canada were invited as the Guests of Honor for this historic anniversary celebration. Police Chief Nishan Duraiappah was represented by Superintendent Raj Biring at the celebration. Both Superintendent Raj Biring and Prof. Sivakumar Gulasingam in their remarks at the event congratulated Sri Lanka and her people on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of independence.
The messages of the President, the Prime Minister and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Sri Lanka were delivered at the event.
Consul General of Sri Lanka in Toronto Thushara Rodrigo addressed the gathering inviting all Sri Lankan Canadians to support the reconciliation and economic recovery efforts of the Government of Sri Lanka and to closely work with the Consulate General to achieve these objectives. The Consul General highlighted the importance of the geographical location of the island for the world maritime security network and international trade, and requested Sri Lankan-Canadian expatriates and the business community to take advantage of Sri Lanka's geo-strategic location to further expand economic engagement with Sri Lanka and enter the Asian market through this gateway.
The celebration included a multicultural dance performance, a Sri Lankan Batik fashion show, a tourism promotion segment, and Sri Lanka's Lion Beer brand promotion. Guests were served authentic Sri Lankan cuisine.
The Sri Lankan expatriate community and well-wishers supported the Consulate General to organize the celebration through sponsorships and in-kind contributions.
Consulate General of Sri Lanka
Toronto
13 February 2023
You Tube Link - https://www.youtube.com/watch?
MESSAGE OF H.E.THE PRESIDENT ON THE OCCASION OF RAMAZAN
More Articles...
Page 3 of 87