Sri Lanka High Commission in Ottawa

Ayubowan,

It gives me great pleasure to address you this evening and I am very happy to see such an illustrious turnout at this event.

As we are all aware, climate change is one of the greatest crises the world currently faces.

The leaders of nearly all countries are meeting over the next two days to discuss and hopefully commit to actions that will start leading us out of it.

In doing so, one of the key issues that Sri Lanka and some other countries will rightfully draw attention to is that of sustainable nitrogen management.

In October 2019, fourteen nations joined the Colombo Declaration on Sustainable Management.

This important declaration encourages nations to develop national roadmaps for sustainable nitrogen management, with a view to reducing nitrogen waste in half by 2030.

I thank the nations already associated with this declaration and encourage others to do the same.

Nitrogen is an abundant element that is essential to the sustenance of all living things.

However, reactive nitrogen generated by human activity and released into ecosystems worsens climate change.

Overuse of nitrogen, especially in fertilisers, has adverse impacts on soil, water, air, and human health.

For decades, chronic kidney disease has been a serious issue in Sri Lanka’s agricultural heartland.

The overuse of chemical fertilisers has contributed significantly to this problem.

It is in this context that my Government took firm steps to reduce imports of chemical fertilizer, and strongly encourage organic agriculture.

Although this action has been broadly appreciated, it has also met with some criticism and resistance.

In addition to chemical fertilizer lobby groups, this resistance has come from farmers who have grown accustomed to overusing fertilizer as an easy means of increasing yields.

This is particularly unfortunate considering Sri Lanka’s rich agricultural heritage.

Sri Lanka was known in historic times as the granary of the East.

This reputation was achieved in part due to the sophistication of our ancient hydraulic civilization.

It was also supported by the traditional wisdom and practices inherited by our farmers in the past, who understood the importance of respecting nature and worked hard to sustain it.

The challenge facing us now is to use modern scientific techniques and practices to enhance agricultural production without causing environmental degradation.

We require a new agricultural revolution that has sustainability at its core.

Sri Lanka’s philosophical heritage, enriched by the teachings of Lord Buddha, has always encouraged us to balance ecological concerns with human needs.

Humans must be in sync with nature, rather than work against it.

My Government’s policy frameworks emphasizes sustainability.

This is reflected in Sri Lanka’s ambitious updated Nationally Determined Contributions to the UNFCC Mechanism.

These include increasing the contribution of renewable energy sources to 70% of national needs by 2030, achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, and ensuring no more new coal power projects.

Sri Lanka is proud to be a co-lead of the Energy Compact for No New Coal Power.

We also play a leadership role in mangrove restoration and conservation, including through the Commonwealth Blue Charter.

Sri Lanka’s progressive agenda on the environment is despite the resource constraints it faces as a developing nation.

Sustaining such an agenda alongside development programmes is challenging for all developing nations, especially following the pandemic.

I therefore hope that developed countries will extend their fullest support to such nations through development assistance, technology transfers, skills development, investment and financing support.

There is also a significant role for businesses in this endeavour, and significant returns to be made in investments into sustainability.

Sri Lanka especially welcomes investments into renewable energy as well as organic agriculture and is prepared to support their success through incentives and appropriate policy interventions.

I therefore hope that greater cooperation in this regard will be forthcoming in the future.

All of us alive today are custodians of this planet on behalf of future generations.

We must all work together towards ensuring its health by contributing in whatever way we can.

If we all do this in a spirit of togetherness and good will, I am certain we will succeed in effecting positive change for our people and our planet.

Thank you.

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The video can be viewed through the following link: https://youtu.be/qc0x6AO2W_k

The Consular Affairs Division of the Foreign Ministry receives a high number of service seekers to get various certificates/documents authenticated nowadays from different parts of the country. The division provides services using full capacity of the officers and certificates/documents are authenticated through the Electronic Documents Attestation System (e-DAS) in its full capacity. Service seekers are requested to visit the Consular Affairs Division for authentication purposes from 7.30 am to 1.30 pm during the working days.

In order to avoid long waiting time in the queues and ease congregation of the public at the Division, the service seekers are encouraged to obtain online appointments through the link: http://consular.mfa.gov.lk/ONLINEBOOKING which facilitates applicant to reserve a time slot and obtain services without being in the long queues.

The service seekers are also encouraged to visit Regional Offices in Matara, Jaffna, Kandy, Kurunegala and Trincomalee to obtain consular services. Contact details are given below;

• Matara - Anagarika Dharmapala Mw, Pamburana, Matara, Tel. 041 2226697   Email:  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
• Jaffna - Jaffna District Secretariat, Tel. 021 2215972 Email:  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
• Kandy - Mahinda Rajapaksa Information Technology Centre, Gatabe, Tel. 081 2384410    Email:  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
• Kurunegala - Department of Child and Probation Care Services, Dambulla Rd, Tel. 037 2225931 Email:  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
• Trincomalee - Chief Secretary’s Office, Tel 026 2223186 Email:  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

The Consular Affairs Division may be contacted for further details for various consular services via;

Authentication section for attestation of certificates/documents : Tel.  2338812/7711194

Email:  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Sri Lankans’ deaths overseas:  2338836/3136715

Compensation with regard to Sri Lankans’ deaths overseas:  2437635/7101193

Repatriation of Stranded Sri Lankans: 2338837

Overseas Sri Lankan Affairs: 2338847

Miscellaneous  : 2338843

Other Section   : 2335942

Foreign Ministry

Colombo

29 October 2021

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

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/)