Sri Lanka High Commission in Ottawa

Foreign Minister Professor G. L. Peris will undertake an official visit to Dhaka, Bangladesh from 15 to 18 November, 2021.

The Minister will attend the 21st Meeting of the Council of Ministers (COM) of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) where Sri Lanka will take over the Vice Chair position of IORA for the period 2021 to 2023. The Council of Ministers meeting will be preceded by the meeting of the Committee of Senior Officials (CSO).

On the sidelines, Minister Peiris is expected to have discussions on matters of bilateral importance to both countries.

Foreign Ministry

Colombo

14 November, 2021

(https://mfa.gov.lk/fm-sl-dhaka-iora/)

The Foreign Ministry of Sri Lanka organized an event ‘Rediscovering Nitrogen:  Solution synergies for climate change, health, biodiversity and circular economy’ together with the International Nitrogen Management System (INMS), focused on the nexus between climate and nitrogen waste, ahead of COP-26, on the evening of 31 October 2021 in Glasgow. The phrase ‘Rediscovering Nitrogen’ is used as Nitrogen was discovered in 1772 by scientist Daniel Rutherford in Scotland. The event discussed how action on nitrogen is a necessary next step to help meet climate goals with multiple co-benefits for the environment, health and the economy.

High-level statements from the President of Sri Lanka, UK Government, UNEP, the Commonwealth, Director General of the South Asia Cooperative Environment Programme (SACEP) and others discussed options for action ahead of COP-26. The event launched the #Nitrogen4NetZero proposal for COP-26, brought forward by SACEP reflecting work with its member countries.

It further focused on Sri Lanka’s progressive climate ambitions as depicted through its updated and ambitious NDCs already submitted to the UNFCCC mechanism, including Sri Lanka’s road map for de-carbonization by 2050, achieving 70% renewable energy target by 2030, a landmark decision on no new coal plants and pioneering work on mangrove restoration and conservation. The opportunities for FDI, particularly for green industries and tourism on the country’s journey towards implementing the NDCs was also shared at this event.

The event was chaired by Chief Scientific Advisor for Scotland and Scientific Director of Moredun Research Institute Prof. Julie Fitzpatrick. The Minister of Environment Mahinda Amaraweera delivered the welcome address, followed by introductory remarks by Professor Mark Sutton. Professor Sutton stressed on the importance of halving nitrogen waste under the Colombo Declaration, which would save us an amount of 100 billion USD per annum.

The Keynote address was delivered by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, who emphasized that “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.” President further stated that “…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.”

Unfortunately, Minister for South Asia, the United Nations and the Commonwealth at the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) UK Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon was unable to attend the event, due to a train accident that occurred on the 31 October 2021. His speech was delivered by UK’s Regional COP-26 Ambassador for Asia Pacific Ambassador Ken O’Flaherty. Delivering the speech on behalf of Lord Ahmad, Ambassador O’Flaherty reiterated the importance of raising awareness of the impact that nitrogen pollution has on the climate, the environment, and our health. He further elaborated on"The need for global action, to protect our planet for future generation has never been so urgent and the UK has played a leading role among developed countries in cutting carbon emissions”. The UK’s stride to legislate for net zero emissions by 2050 was highlighted in his speech, as UK was the first major economy to do so and to set in law the world’s most ambitious climate change target, cutting emissions by 78% by 2035.

Key speakers at the event were, Under Secretary to the United Nations and Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme Inger Anderson, via video, Director General of the South Asian Cooperative Environment Programme (SACEP) Dr. Masumur Rahman and State Secretary, Federal Ministry of Environment of Germany Jochen Flachsbarth also through a video message.

Urmi Goswami of the Economic Times of India and Professor Sutton had a two-way conversation titled “Why Nitrogen?” as part of the programme for the evening. The discussion emphasized the direct Global Warming Potential (mass basis) of GHG Nitrous Oxide (N2O) which is 296 times greater than Carbon Dioxide (CO2), during a time period of 100 years. The reduction of Nitrous Oxide emissions will be essential if the world is to achieve net zero GHG emissions.

Among other prominent attendees were the President of Maldives Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and Secretary of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Philippines Teodoro Jr. Locsin. Over 90 attendees representing national delegations, the British Government, private sector personnel from the business and finance industry and academics were present.

The Baroness Scotland of Asthal, Secretary General of the Commonwealth, the Rt. Patricia Scotland reminded the audience that “…Sri Lanka has been on this journey with the Commonwealth with fifty-four countries representing 2.5 billion people…”. She added further that “If you regrettably go back, and look at that declaration, all the worries of this being an existential threat was there and Sri Lanka was leading then, and Sri Lanka is still leading now.” She commended both the President of Sri Lanka and the President of Maldives for having shown that they are not interested in just talking but that they are totally committed to doing. She went on to assure that the Commonwealth Secretariat’s support in the implementation process and developing an implementation tool-kit. She emphasized the pertinent need to understand the connections between mangroves and nitrogen and welcomed Sri Lanka to join forces again with the Commonwealth Secretariat in developing appropriate mechanisms.

Secretary to the Ministry of Environment Dr. Anil Jasinghe announced “…that the Government of Sri Lanka submitted a fresh value-added Resolution on Sustainable Nitrogen Management on the 26 October, proposing more comprehensive actions beyond the UNEA 4/14 Resolution of 2019.” He further added that as the year 2030 is fast approaching, Sri Lanka introduced several new elements in the proposed resolution, as highlighted in the Colombo Declaration. This new resolution will lay the foundation for action on nitrogen for climate coordinating all related Multilateral Environment Agreements via the Inter-convention Nitrogen Coordination Mechanism.

Delivering concluding remarks, Foreign Minister Prof. G. L. Peiris emphasized that Sri Lanka is ideally equipped to play a pioneering role in global initiatives with regard to climate change and biodiversity. He stated that "… we in Sri Lanka have never believed for one moment, that there is any conflict between economic development on the one hand and the preservation of the environment on the other. these two aspects go together. They are complimentary, they are two sides of the same coin.” He reiterated that the President Gotabaya Rajapaksa made a bold decision to move from chemical fertilizer to organic fertilizer, which is having a profound impact on all agricultural activity in Sri Lanka. The shift would entail in less pollution of water and soil and thereby polluting the oceans less, with an overall positive impact on the health of the population of the country.

Referring to the comments of Baroness Patricia Scotland, conveying the critical message of implementation as opposed to aspiration, Professor Peiris went on to state that “…This is because we do not have the luxury of time. Lofty aspirations and plans for the future are not sufficient. What is urgently required is immediate implementation. The Foreign Minister assured the audience that Sri Lanka is far from being politically indifferent, and that ours is an attitude of intense commitment and rigorous involvement. He assured the international community that Sri Lanka will always be a resolute and steadfast partner in all efforts directed towards the preservation of the environment and much more, for the very survival of this planet for the benefit of generations to come.

Foreign Ministry

Colombo

12 November, 2021

(https://mfa.gov.lk/sl-nitrogen4netzero/)

Chairperson
Excellencies
Delegates.

This event takes place at a critical time for humanity.

As a developing tropical island nation with abundant biodiversity, Sri Lanka is deeply aware of the impacts of climate change.

Our rich philosophical heritage, shaped by Lord Buddha’s teachings, places great value on environmental integrity.

Sustainability is therefore at the heart of our national policy framework.

Sri Lanka’s updated Nationally Determined Contributions aims to reduce emissions towards achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.

We have prioritised enhancing national forest cover, with initiatives underway to increase our carbon sequestration capacity by 7% by 2030.

We will increase contribution of renewable energy sources to 70% of national energy needs by 2030 and are taking steps to phase out use of fossil fuels.

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

Sri Lanka recently restricted imports of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and weedicides due to public health concerns, water contamination, soil degradation, and biodiversity impacts.

Although opposed by entrenched lobbies, this has created opportunities for innovation and investment into organic agriculture that will be healthier and more sustainable in future.

Reactive nitrogen emissions from overuse of artificial fertilizer is a major contributor to climate change.

In 2019 Sri Lanka spearheaded the Colombo Declaration on Sustainable Nitrogen Management, which seeks to halve Nitrogen waste by 2030.

We look forward to more countries joining this initiative.

Sri Lanka also leads the Action Group on Mangrove Ecosystems and Livelihoods under the Commonwealth Blue Charter initiative.

Sri Lanka welcomes investments, technology transfers, and climate financing for its ambitious sustainability efforts, along with broader development assistance to support recovery from the COVID19 pandemic.

Climate change affects all nations, but disproportionately impacts developing island nations.

Developing nations that take bold steps towards climate change mitigation and adaptation deserve extensive support.

It is essential that the world’s largest emitters of greenhouse gases fulfil their national commitments and assist developing nations navigate through the climate crisis.

I call upon all nations to work together in a spirit of true cooperation to overcome this crisis and sustain humanity and our planet.

Thank you.

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The video can be viewed through the following link: https://youtu.be/u8hyEI-hER4

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/)