Sri Lanka High Commission in Ottawa

India’s High Commissioner in Sri Lanka Y. K. Sinha his country is ready to work with the new government of Sri Lanka to take the bilateral relationship between the two nations to the next level and stands ready to continue to provide support and partnership to the closest neighbor in realizing its people's aspirations.

"India looks forward to working with the new Government of Sri Lanka to take the bilateral relationship to the next level for the benefit of the people of the two countries and the South Asian region as a whole," the High Commissioner said at the 66th Republic day celebrations held at the India House Monday.

Speaking about the state of India-Sri Lanka relations, High Commissioner highlighted that India shares a special relationship with Sri Lanka which is not just geographical, but dictated by ties of shared religions, cultural practices, family linkages, linguistic commonalities, economic inter-linkages, and political understanding between two democracies.

Read more: India ready to take bilateral relationship to next level with new government of Sri Lanka – Indian HC

Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera who was in New Delhi for a two day official visit on the invitation of the Indian External Affairs Minister, Sushma Swaraj concluded his visit successfully today. This is the first foreign visit undertaken by Minister Samaraweera after assumption of office on 12^th January, and reflects the priority attached by Sri Lanka towards enhanced relations with India.

During this visit, Minister Samaraweera held bilateral talks with the Minister of External Affairs Sushma Swaraj on Sunday (18/01) and called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi today.

Read more: Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera concludes two day visit to India

Mrs. Chitranganee Wagiswara has been appointed as the Secretary to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs by the President Maithripala Sirisena. She received her letter of appointment from President Sirisena today (19^th January 2015) at the Presidential Secretariat. Thereafter, Mrs Wagiswara assumed duties at the Ministry Office at a simple ceremony.

Read more: Mrs Chitranganee Wagiswara appointed as the new Foreign Secretary

Hon. Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India welcomes Hon. Mangala Samaraweera, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Sri Lanka on 19^th January 2015 at the Official residence of the Prime Minister in New Delhi.

Read more: Foreign Minister Samaraweera calls on Prime Minister Modi in New Delhi

Hon. Sushma Swaraj  Minister of External Affairs of India, warmly welcomes Hon. Mangala Samaraweera, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Sri Lanka on 18^th January 2015 at Nehru Bhawan in New Delhi.

Read more: Foreign Minister Samaraweera meets Indian counterpart.

Press Release

First National security Council meeting was held yesterday (16th January) under the patronage of his Excellency the President Maithripala Sirisena. After discussing the security matters the government lifted the travel restrictions it had imposed on foreign passport holders to North.

Provisions Implemented for transport of Firearms, Explosives, Military clothing materials, Binoculars for Northern Province still remains unchanged.

Provisions Implemented in East Province to transport Firearms and Explosives too remain unchanged.

Source: http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=Press_Release_20150117_01

His Holiness Pope Francis called on President Maithripala Sirisena at the Presidential Secretariat this evening, where bilateral discussions were held between them with the sharing of good wishes.

Later, Prime Minister Ranil Wickramasinghe joined the discussion with Pope Francis and President Sirisena.

After this discussion, His Holiness and the President came to the hall which had a gathering of special invitees for the occasion, where the exchange of gifts between the Pope and the President took place.

Read more: Pope Francis calls on President