Consulate General of Sri Lanka

Event on Sri Lanka Day-2019

Appointment of Lt. Gen. Shavendra Silva, Commander of the Sri Lanka Army

Media Release

Appointment of Lt. Gen. Shavendra Silva, Commander of the Sri Lanka Army

With reference to comments that have appeared since the above appointment, the following is noted:

• The appointment of the Army Commander of Sri Lanka is a sovereign decision by the Head of State.

• Foreign entities trying to influence the decisions and internal administrative processes of public service promotions in Sri Lanka is unwarranted and unacceptable.

• Articulating a position of concern on this appointment by certain bilateral partners and international organizations, based on allegations, is regrettable and contrary to the principles of natural justice espoused by all responsible members of the international community.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Colombo

20 August 2019

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Sri Lanka participates in the 8th annual One World One Family multicultural festival

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The Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Toronto, as a part of the country promotion/tourism promotion program 2019, participated in the 8^th annual One World One Family multicultural festival held in Erin, Ontario from 4 to 5 August 2019. The event showcased products, games, crafts, cultural heritages and performances from 28 different countries around the world.

The Consulate’s participation facilitated promotion of Ceylon tea and Sri Lanka tourism by raising awareness among the participants on Sri Lanka’s rich culture, history of Ceylon tea and travel information. Ceylon Tea samples from Dimbula, Nuwara Eliya, Kandy, Uva, Uda Pussellawa, Ruhuna and Sabaragamuwa regions, were displayed. Hot tea from the above regions was also served to the visitors.

Sri Lanka led IORA Maritime Safety and Security Working Group finalizes Work Plan

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The First Meeting of IORA Maritime Safety and Security (MSS) Working Groupchaired by Sri Lanka and held in Colombo on 8-9 August with the participation of 22 foreign delegates representing IORA member countries and representatives of the IORA Secretariat has finalized the Work Plan for action.

Inaugurating the meeting Foreign Secretary RavinathaAryasinharecalling Sri Lanka’s role in spearheading the Indian Ocean Peace Zone proposal in 1971, said at the time few recognized the importance of the concept. He saidit was pleasing to note that times have changed. The Indian Ocean has today been acknowledged as one of the world’s busiest and most critical trade corridors, carrying two-thirds of global oil shipments and a third of bulk cargo and hosting the most critical Sea Lanes of Communication (SLOCs), directly impacting global trade and economy. Sri Lanka as a country central to this region, while protecting its self-interest, is keen to ensurefreedom of navigationand lines of communication, which were an essential prerequisite not only to maintaining regional security and stability, but is also crucial for the future prosperity of the region. He said “The Indian Ocean: Defining Our Future” multilateral diplomatic engagement hosted by Sri Lanka last year which brought together not only the Indian Ocean littoral states, but also its maritime users, was an expression of this commitment.

UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief visits Sri Lanka

The UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief, Ahmed Shaheed called on Minister Tilak Marapana at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs today, commencing his official country visit to Sri Lanka from 15- 26 August 2019.

The Special Rapporteur is undertaking this visit in response to the standing invitation extended to all thematic UN special procedures mandate holders by Sri Lanka in 2015. This is the 10^thsuch visit by a special procedures mandate holder to the country in the past four years. The Government of Sri Lanka and the Special Rapporteur had agreed to schedule this visit in 2018.

During the meeting today, Foreign Minister Marapana said that in line with the Government’s policy of engaging in an open, transparent and constructive dialogue with the international community including the UN, a number of visits of special procedures mandate holders have been facilitated. He noted that the Government has always appreciated engagement with the Special Rapporteurs and taken note of their feedback positively. He assured the Special Rapporteur that the Government of Sri Lanka (GoSL) will provide its fullest cooperation to him during his visit.