News

Baska Waruna

The Consulate General’s Office in Toronto in collaborations with the Sri Lankan community for the second time organized the Sinhala Language Day -Basaka Waruna on September 15, 2012 in Toronto with the Sinhala Association of Canada and the participation of the expatriate Sri Lankans, Children of Dhamma Schools and well-wishers.

Professor Sarath Wijesuriya of the Department of Sinhala, University of Colombo was this year’s Guest Speaker. High Commissioner Chitranganee Wagiswara was the Chief Guest.

Sri Lanka named the Best Travel Destination in the World for 2013

Lonely Planet , the world’s largest and most respected travel guidebook and digital media publisher has named Sri Lanka, the number one destination in the world to visit in year 2013.

The travel guide book highlights the emerging new popular places to visit in Sri Lanka including the newly opened up East coast and less travelled paths in the western coast as well : “North of the capital Colombo, on Sri Lanka's west coast, Kalpitiya and the Puttalam lagoon are eco-tourism hotspots with bird watching and kayaking. Near Dondra Head, on the lonley_planet

south coast, mighty blue whales are regular visitors from January to April while land-based wildlife thrills include the leopards and elephants of Yala National Park, and the more rugged and remote Wilpattu National Park, open once more after being closed for more than two decades”

“UNITY VESAK 2012″ draw large crowds at Mel Lastman Square in Toronto

The Unity Vesak 2012 - celebrations held at Mel Lastman Square today drew large crowds, estimated at over 1700 people who witnessed a noble display that was truly multicultural. The celebration was the brainchild of Consul General for Sri Lanka in Toronto, Mr. Karunarathna Paranawithana with the collaboration of Maha Sangha and leaders of all the Buddhist Temples and communities in Canada. It was a diverse spectacle enjoyed by the multitude of people in weather conditions that may be called “ideal” for the occasion. The event brought together a coterie of Maha Sangha from across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) for the first time in this great city of ours. H.E. (Mrs.) Chitranganee Wagiswara, High Commissioner for Sri Lanka in Canada was present to support the efforts of the Consul General and his team.

64th Independence Day Celebration in Toronto

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Sri Lanka’s 64th Independence Day Ceremony organised by the Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Toronto on 4th February, 2012 was a great success with wider participation of Sri Lankan communities.

Sri Lanka Consulate celebrates Tahi Pongal 2012

Sri Lanka Consulate in Toronto celebrated Thai Pongal 2012 at the Thiruchendur Murugan Temple in North york Toronto on the 15th January. Consul General Karunarathna Paranawithana participated in the event.

Parliament approves PSC for a political solution

Parliament of Sri Lanka on November 23rd passed a motion to set up a Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) to formulate a political solution to the country's ethnic issue.

The parliament announced that a motion to appoint a Select Committee of Parliament to recommend and report on political and constitutional measures to empower the people of Sri Lanka to live as one nation was passed by the House.

The political parties in Parliament are requested to name their representatives to the PSC.

Deepavali Celebrated in Canada amidst attempts to disrupt the event

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The Sri Lanka High Commission in Ottawa, Canada and the Consul General’s Office in Toronto in collaboration with the Sri Lankan Tamil Community, for the second time, organised a colourful event to celebrate the Deepavali festival 2011 on Sunday 6^th November at the Korean Cultural Centre in Toronto.

Sri Lanka awaits to welcome you - President tells CHOGM leaders

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My country and my people who are experiencing economic revival, peace and tranquility throughout the country after many decades look forward to welcoming all of you to Colombo in 2013 President Mahinda Rajapaksa said.

Addressing the concluding session of Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Perth today President Rajapaksa said that CHOGM comes to Asia after 22 years, last being in Malaysia. "I have no doubt that all my Asian colleagues will, in 2013, join me and the people of Sri Lanka in welcoming you to our region, which is home to over two thirds of the population of the Commonwealth, to deliberate on all issues in which we are collectively interested", he said.

Deepavali provides opportunity for greater understanding and harmony among communities - President

Mr.president_img In Sri Lanka today, Deepavali and its light of hope provide the opportunity for greater understanding among communities, increased harmony among peoples and the shedding of differences that have kept people apart for a long period, says President Mahinda Rajapaksa in his Deepavali Message.

“Victory of good over evil, the shedding of light over darkness and the triumph of knowledge over ignorance are the eternal quest of humankind. Deepavali, known as the Festival of Light is the expression of the spiritual richness of people as it marks the progress made in the constant struggle for a better life with all the above achievements, in keeping with the great spiritual values of Hindus”, he further adds.