Sri Lanka High Commission in Ottawa

The Government of Sri Lanka and the Islamic Republic of Iran signed the MoU between the Ministry of Plantation of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka and the Ministry of Industries, Mine, and Trade of the Islamic Republic of Iran to formulate a scheme for the settlement of the outstanding payments from Ceylon Petroleum Corporation to the National Iranian Oil Company at the Foreign Ministry on 21 December 2021.

Minister Plantation Sri Lanka Dr. Ramesh Pathirana, and Deputy Minister of Industry, Mine, Trade of the Islamic Republic of Iran Alireza Paymanpak signed the MoU on behalf of their respective Governments. This was with the main focus to promote the mutually beneficial cooperation between Sri Lanka and Iran in the field of economic relations. The MoU aims at increasing the sale of Ceylon Tea to the Islamic Republic of Iran through the settlement of an outstanding payment for the oil purchases by the Government of Sri Lanka.

Ambassador  of the Islamic Republic of Iran Hashem Ashjazadeh , State Minister of Regional Co-operation Tharaka Balasuriya, State Minister of Company  Estate Reforms, Tea and Rubber Related Crop Cultivation and Factories Modernization and Tea/Rubber Export Promotion Kanaka Herath, Secretary Ministry of Finance S.R. Attygalle, Secretary Ministry of Plantation Ravindra Hewavitharana, Chairman SLTB Jayampathy Molligoda, Chairman of Ceylon Petroleum Corporation W.W.D. Sumith Wijesinghe, Director General of Sri Lanka Tea Board Anura Siriwardena, the Senior officials of the Foreign Ministry and the Tea Board in Sri Lanka were also present at the event of signing the MoU.

The Deputy Minister of Industry, Mine, Trade of the Islamic Republic of Iran Alireza Paymanpak also paid a courtesy call State Minister of Regional Cooperation Tharaka Balasuriya and Secretary of the Foreign Ministry Admiral Prof. Jayanath Colombage, and discussed the matters of mutual interest and ways of further enhancing the bilateral relations between the two countries.

At this moment of celebration we recall the dedication and efforts of the Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Iran Wishwanath Aponsu and Ambassador  of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Sri Lanka  Hashem  Ashjazadeh  which have immensely  contributed to finalize the MOU  and the commitment, foresight, goodwill and friendship  between  the two countries   which  paved the way to  signing of this MOU.

Foreign Ministry

Colombo

24 December, 2021

(https://mfa.gov.lk/mou-iran-sl/)

The Government of the Republic of Botswana with the concurrence of the Government of Sri Lanka has appointed Mr. Gilbert Shimane Mangole as the High Commissioner of the Republic of Botswana to Sri Lanka based in New Delhi. He has presented credentials to H.E. Gotabaya Rajapaksa, President of Sri Lanka on 21 December 2021 at 5.30 p.m. at President’s House, Colombo 01.

Foreign Ministry

Colombo

22 December, 2021

(https://mfa.gov.lk/hc-botswana/)

The Government of the Argentine Republic with the concurrence of the Government of Sri Lanka has appointed Mr. Hugo Javier Gobbi as the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Argentine Republic to Sri Lanka based in New Delhi. He has presented credentials to H.E. Gotabaya Rajapaksa, President of Sri Lanka on 21 December 2021 at 5.30 p.m. at President’s House, Colombo 01.

Foreign Ministry

Colombo

22 December, 2021

(https://mfa.gov.lk/argentine-ambassador/)

The Australian Minister for Home Affairs Karen Andrews met Foreign Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris on 20 December 2021 at the Foreign Ministry during her official visit to Sri Lanka and discussed avenues for enhanced cooperation on a broad spectrum of areas.

The Foreign Minister expressed satisfaction with Australia’s significant involvement in preventing people smuggling and transnational crimes in Sri Lanka as well as in the region. The Minister reiterated that the vibrant partnership between Australia and Sri Lanka exemplified the highly effective and successful collaboration between the two countries in the field of preventing people smuggling and border security matters.

Minister Peiris also apprised the visiting Minister on the ongoing review of policies and laws, including the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) in order to address the residual issues still remaining after the end of internal armed conflicts in 2009. Among the measures undertaken by the Government include the setting up of the Office of Missing Persons, Office for Reparations, the Office of National Unity and Reconciliation (ONUR), SDG 16 Council and the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka.

During Minister Andrews’ visit, the Sri Lanka Border Risk Assessment Centre (BRAC) at the Department of Immigration and Emigration was ceremonially inaugurated jointly with her Sri Lankan counterpart, Minister Chamal Rajapaksa at the Department of Immigration and Emigration. Earlier in the day, both Ministers also signed the Memorandum of Understanding of Return and Readmission of Persons between Sri Lanka and Australia at the State Ministry of Home Affairs.

Referring to Australia’s experience in vocational education, Foreign Minister Peiris sought Australia’s technical assistance to strengthen Sri Lanka’s vocational education sector.

Minister also expressed keen interest in the proposed establishment of a Transshipment Hub in Sri Lanka to route Australian products through Sri Lanka to the other markets which would immensely benefit the Sri Lanka economy.

Furthermore, both Ministers also agreed to hold the next session of the Joint Working Group (JWG) on People Smuggling and other Transnational Crime in Sri Lanka in the coming months and agreed to work together closely to further enhance the cordial relations between Sri Lanka and Australia.

Minister Andews and Minister Peiris agreed on the need to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries next year, 2022 in a befitting manner.

Foreign Ministry

Colombo

21 December, 2021

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

The High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka Gopal Baglay met  Foreign Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris at the Foreign Ministry today and discussed the progress of the ongoing bilateral engagements between the two countries.

The two parties discussed an array of matters relating to areas of ongoing mutual cooperation and the outcomes of the recent visit of Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa to India.

Foreign Ministry

Colombo

16 December 2021

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

Foreign Minister Prof. G.L Peiris at an event held at the Foreign Ministry today (15), handed over a financial grant to the family of late Priyantha Kumara who was brutally killed by a mob in Sialkot area, Pakistan recently.

Minister Peiris, while expressing his deepest condolences to the family on the tragic death of Priyantha Kumara said that the prime concern at this moment is the future of the two children and the financial security of the family. In this regard, the Minister stated that he was in discussions with the Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation to obtain assistance for the family of the deceased. He further stated that he had requested the Pakistan Government to ensure timely receipt of financial benefits from the employer and the Government of Pakistan.

Minister Peiris mentioned that the Acting High Commissioner of Pakistan in Colombo informed that appropriate arrangements have been made in Pakistan to hear the case. The business community in Sialkot area has agreed to provide US$ 100,000 to the family of Priyantha Kumara.

The Foreign Minister further mentioned that Sri Lanka is closely monitoring the developments of the investigation and expecting that those responsible for the death would be speedily penalized by the law and justice will be served.

Foreign Secretary Admiral Prof. Jayanath Colombage and officials of the Foreign Ministry were present at the event.

Foreign Ministry

Colombo

15 December 2021

(https://mfa.gov.lk/fm-priyantha-kumara/)

Foreign Minister G. L. Peiris hosted a Christmas reception on 12 December 2021 at the Hilton Colombo, attended by Heads of Missions of the Diplomatic Corps based in Colombo,  Cabinet Ministers, MPs, senior government officials and representatives of the business sector.  Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa and Madam Shiranthi Rajapaksa graced the occasion as Chief Guests.

Minister Peris in his welcome address stated that Christmas was a time to celebrate our relationships, friendships and our accomplishments. Therefore this was as good a time as any to look back on the year that has gone by to reflect on our achievements and to assess  what we have done right and most importantly what we could have done better. The Foreign Minister further added, ' the year that has come to an end has been a time of formidable challenge to Sri Lanka. Covid 19 has almost disrupted every aspect of national life in our country but there has been universal recognition of the success that Sri Lanka has achieved in containing and combating the epidemic.'

The State Minister of Regional Cooperation Tharaka Balasuriya also addressed the guests, stating  that  what was  most important now, along with climate change,  is economic diplomacy. State Minister Balasuriya organised Sri Lankan designers and artists to showcase their arts and handicrafts  at the reception, adding  that Sri Lanka's creative industry needs to be brought to the forefront.  The exhibitors at the event were; Eric Suriyasena Batiks, Buddhi Batiks, Isle of Rataa and Urban Island and the art exhibition was curated by Azara Jaleel.

This event was supported by the Tea Board, National Crafts Council, Spices and Allied Products Marketing Board, State Ministry of Batik, Palmyrah Development Board, Isle of Rataa, Buddhi Batiks and 1948 shop.

Foreign Ministry

Colombo

14 December, 2021

(https://mfa.gov.lk/fm-hosts-recepetion/)