Sri Lanka High Commission in Ottawa

Foreign Minister G. L. Peiris received the United Nations Resident Coordinator (UNRC) Hanaa Singer – Hamdy, on a courtesy call at the Foreign Ministry in Colombo on 2 September.

Minister Peiris thanked the UNRC for the constructive and ongoing cooperation between Sri Lanka and the UNRC and the UN country team in the context of the national development priorities and needs for the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He briefed the UNRC on Sri Lanka’s ongoing efforts to contain the Covid pandemic and the challenges faced in this regard. He appreciated the work done by the UN including WHO and UNICEF as well as the assistance received through the ADB and the World Bank. The Minister also briefed the UNRC on the progress made through domestic mechanisms on human rights including SDG 16 dealing with Peace, Justice and Institutions.

The UNRC briefed the Minister about the preparation process underway between Sri Lanka and the United Nations under the Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework 2023 – 2027 which embodies the priorities for Sri Lanka in cooperation with the UN for the next 5 years. This is the last cycle of the UNSDCF ahead of the target set for the SDGs in 2030. She reiterated the cooperation of the UN country team in all aspects of Sri Lanka’s efforts to achieve peace and development.

Foreign Ministry

Colombo

2 September, 2021

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

Foreign Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris met the Charge d’ Affaires of the Embassy of the State of Libya in Sri Lanka Amar A.M. Muftah,  on Wednesday, 01 September 2021 at the Foreign Ministry and discussed matters of mutual interest in the bilateral relations between the two countries.

The Libyan Charge d’ Affaires conveyed the felicitations of the Libyan Minister of Foreign Affairs to  Minister Peiris on his recent appointment as Foreign Minister.

Libyan Charge d’ Affaires Muftah briefed the Minister on the current situation in Libya, in particular the role of the interim caretaker government that has been in office since March 2021. He briefed on the preparations for the Presidential and Parliamentary elections to be held on 24 December 2021 and made a request for Sri Lanka to consider sending an election monitoring mission. Foreign Minister Peiris recalled that Sri Lankans have enjoyed universal franchise since 1931, 17 years before independence. He said that Sri Lanka, as a democracy is supportive of the efforts by Libya to further strengthen the democratic process and will consider this request.

The Foreign Minister highlighted that the Government is focusing on economic diplomacy, by improving trade relations and expanding the export market in the African region. It was agreed to continue discussions regarding improving Sri Lanka's trade ties with Libya in the tea, gem and jewellery and tourism sectors.

Minister Peiris apprised the Libyan envoy on Sri Lanka’s regional and multilateral engagements and it was agreed to continue close cooperation at the international level.

Foreign Ministry

Colombo

02 September, 2021

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

The Government of Sri Lanka has been made aware that the UK Home Secretary has decided to maintain the proscription of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) as a terrorist organization under the UK Terrorism Act No. 7 of 2000.

The Home Secretary’s decision, which has been taken following the judgement of the Proscribed Organizations Appeals Commission (POAC), rejects the application of a LTTE front organization to de-proscribe the LTTE in the UK.

The LTTE, therefore, remains a proscribed organization in the UK, as in over 30 other countries worldwide, including in the EU region.

LTTE was initially proscribed in these countries due to the group’s brutality and atrocities targeting civilians and democratically elected leaders, involvement in organized crime and other criminal activities that impacted global and regional security. The continued retention of the LTTE’s proscription worldwide, is a recognition of the continued threat posed by the remnants of the group working through its international network, which continue to finance terrorist activities, radicalize youth towards violent extremism and cause ethnic disharmony and disrupt cohesive living in every country in which they are active.

The Government of Sri Lanka is appreciative of the partnership with the UK, and all governments, in the global fight against terrorism, and remain committed to working with the UK in all efforts to mitigate terrorism and violent extremism, that threaten the lives of citizens, and endanger global and regional peace and security.

Foreign Ministry

Colombo

2 September, 2021

(https://mfa.gov.lk/ltte-proscription-uk/)

Foreign Secretary Jayanath Colombage accepted a donation of medical equipment today (01/09) from Chargè d’ affaires of the Royal Thai Embassy in Colombo Tayatat Kanjanapipatkul at a symbolic ceremony at the Foreign Ministry.  The donation was thereafter handed over to  Secretary, State Ministry of Production, Supply and Regulation of Pharmaceuticals Dr. R.M.S.K. Ratnayake to be distributed to hospitals treating COVID 19 patients islandwide.

The donation comprises 30 oxygen concentrators, 02 ventilators, 108 oxygen tanks, 62 regulators/ cannulae sets, 160 pulse oximeters and 150 personal protective equipment (PPE) sets. This donation includes contributions from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand,  Somdet Phra Nyanasamvara Somdet Phra Sangharaj Wat, Bovoranives Vihara Foundation, Sri Lanka Association of Thailand, Thai-Sri Lanka Chamber of Commerce and the Royal Thai Embassy in Colombo.

The Sri Lanka Embassy in Bangkok coordinated and made the arrangements to send the donation which was air transported by courtesy of Qatar Airways.

Foreign Ministry

Colombo

01 September, 2021

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

His Eminence Archbishop Brian Udaigwe, Apostolic Nuncio (the Vatican Ambassador) to Sri Lanka paid a courtesy call on the Foreign Minister Prof. G. L. Peiris on Tuesday 31 August at the Foreign Ministry.

During the meeting, the Foreign Minister explained that one of his first duties in his previous portfolio as Minister of Education was to confer degree awarding status to the Benedict XVI Catholic Institute at Bolawalana, Negombo, which was built by the then Defence Secretary, and present President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and the armed forces. The Minister highlighted the importance of setting up the institution in not only imparting education but also developing social equity for the less privileged segments of society.

The Minister also expressed deep sorrow on the calamitous and horrendous tragedy, and the great deal of pain and suffering undergone by the Catholic Church, and his understanding of the sentiments of the Catholic Church, and the need for justice to bring all those who were responsible before the law.

Alluding to the sensitive nature of the ongoing investigation, the Minister emphasized the need to have an informed discussion with a view to facilitating to resolve the matters with His Eminence Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith and the Catholic Bishop’s Conference at the earliest juncture.

The Minister further stated that the Government understands perfectly the sincere motivation and unendurable anguish of the Catholic Church and its purest of motives.

The Minister drew attention to certain groups who are trying to exploit the situation for their own purposes which he asserted were contrary to the genuine motives of the Catholic Church, highlighting the upcoming session of the United Nations Human Rights Council Session, scheduled to commence on 12 September, and the United Nations General Assembly which is to be held on 21 September, 2021. The Minister remarked that every endeavour should be made to ensure that the purest motives of the Catholic Church are not hijacked, either locally or internationally.

While expressing his sincere appreciation for the attention being received by the Catholic Church and Catholics in Sri Lanka, though they are a minority, the Papal Nuncio indicated that he has not witnessed similar recognition given to Catholics in other countries.

The Apostolic Nuncio suggested that a meeting could be arranged at an early date with a Committee of the Bishop’s Conference, so that the Government could discuss the relevant issues with representatives of the Church.

The Minister expressed appreciation of this opportunity, and said that the government is collecting all particulars from the Attorney General’s Department, the Police and other relevant State agencies to be able to provide the fullest information at the discussion with the Church.

The Apostolic Nuncio wished the Minister of Foreign Affairs every success in his new assignment.

Foreign Ministry

Colombo

01 September, 2021

(https://mfa.gov.lk/fm-sl-apostolic-nuncio/)

The Ambassador of the Kingdom of Norway to Sri Lanka Trine Jøranli Eskedal paid a courtesy call on Foreign Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris on Monday 30 August 2021 at the Foreign Ministry.

During discussions, Foreign Minister Peiris appreciated the mutually beneficial partnership existing between Sri Lanka and Norway, and reiterated the country’s interest to further strengthen cooperation in spheres of synergy and mutual interest.

Ambassador Eskedal elaborated on areas of bilateral interest with emphasis on Norwegian development cooperation, investment in renewably energy, and cooperation in the fishery sector, where Sri Lanka continues to benefit from Norwegian technical expertise and collaboration.  She referred to the potential for investment partnerships with Norway in renewable energy.

The Ambassador Eskedal highlighted strong collaboration in the fishery sector as a cornerstone of the Sri Lanka – Norway partnership.  Reference was made in this regard to research and development collaboration in marine resources, and support towards the development of an ocean strategy.

Reiterating Sri Lanka’s commitment to climate action, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development including transfer to a renewable energy mix, Minister Peiris welcomed technical collaboration with Norway in green energy.

Minister Peiris also welcomed Norwegian scientific and technical cooperation in aqua research and the blue economy, and investment by the prestigious Norwegian Pension Fund in Sri Lanka’s share market.  Reference was made to the potential to further expand cooperation in Information Communication Technology (ICT), tourism, education technology, and value addition in the gem and jewellery industry.

The Foreign Minister apprised the Ambassador on Sri Lanka’s regional and multilateral engagement.  Senior officials of the Foreign Ministry participated in the meeting.

Foreign Ministry

Colombo

31 August 2021

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

The Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey to Sri Lanka Demet Şekercioğlu paid a courtesy call on Foreign Minister Prof. G. L. Peiris on Wednesday 25 August at the Foreign Ministry.

During discussions, Foreign Minister Peiris highlighted the rich civilizational roots of Turkey, as well as the country’s harmonious co-existence of cultures, which is of interest to the world.  Minister Peiris underscored the importance of bilateral relations between Sri Lanka and Turkey in the political, economic and cultural spheres, and reiterated Sri Lanka’s interest to further elevate existing good relations.

Extending warm felicitations to Foreign Minster Peiris on his new appointment, Ambassador Şekercioğlu emphasised the multifaceted nature of cooperation between Sri Lanka and Turkey comprising strong political ties, as well as cooperation in trade and investment, science and technology, education and culture, among other spheres. Minister Peiris referred to the potential to further expand bilateral trade, and the importance of the Turkish market for Ceylon tea exports.

Minister Peiris also expressed his deep appreciation for the support extended by Turkey in multilateral fora, and welcomed collaboration on thematic areas of mutual interest.

The discussions underscored the need for solidarity and cooperation among nations in addressing the global challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic. Foreign Minister Peiris, in this context, recalled with appreciation the donation of ventilators and personal protective equipment by Turkey to Sri Lanka in February this year.

State Minister for Regional Cooperation Tharaka Balasuriya, Foreign Secretary Admiral Prof. Jayanath Colombage and Senior Officials of the Foreign Ministry participated in the meeting.

Foreign Ministry

Colombo

27 August 2021

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