Sri Lanka High Commission in Ottawa

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

High Commissioner of Malaysia to Colombo Tan Yang Thai paid a Courtesy Call on Foreign Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris at the Foreign Ministry on the 14 October 2021. While recalling the close and friendly bilateral ties between Sri Lanka and Malaysia, Foreign Minister and the High Commissioner discussed further avenues to enhance cooperation between the two countries in the post Covid -19 era.

Stating Sri Lanka was among the first to recognize Malaysia’s independence back in 1957, and the celebrations of the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2017, the High Commissioner expressed his strong desire to re-enact partnerships in several areas, including the restoration of the air connectivity to its fullest capacity and facilitate strong people to people interaction between the two countries.

Foreign Minister Peiris underlining strong bilateral partnership between the two countries emphasized the need of building further collaborations in the areas that are beneficial to both countries. Minister Peiris highly commended the enormous progress that Malaysia recorded in the field of digitalization. He identified digitalization as an area that the Government intends to achieve rapid progress over several key areas in the public sector including administration, court proceedings, education, health, etc. The Minister expressed Sri Lanka’s desire to look at the experiences of Malaysia in this field and adopt certain aspects as per the needs of the country.

During the discussion, Minister Peiris also praised the education system in Malaysia, where Malaysian Universities with the collaboration of reputed foreign Universities, offer diversified courses for students to continue their higher studies without migrating to foreign countries. Underlining the inadequacy of infrastructure in higher education and technical education, and the urgent need of broadening the vocational training in Sri Lanka, Minister Prof. Peiris identified this as an area of cooperation that both countries could progress.

Senior officials of the Foreign Ministry and the High Commission of Malaysia in Colombo were also present at the meeting.

Foreign Ministry

Colombo

15 October, 2021

(https://mfa.gov.lk/malaysia-sl/)