Sri Lanka High Commission in Ottawa

‘Gyrinops Walla’, commonly known as ‘Wall Patta’ in Sinhala and Sri Lankan Agar Wood in English, is an endemic fragrance producing resinous plant grown in wet and intermediate zones in Sri Lanka. Resin extracted from ‘Gyrinops’ species has its unique fragrance and therefore, it is widely used as an, 

Ingredient in traditional medicine, world class perfume, incenses, aroma therapy, cosmetic and preservatives of accessories. Moreover, agar wood is used as cultural and religious purposes across the Asia. 

Due to the high economic value in perfumery and other industries excessive exploitation of

‘Gyrinops’ and Aquilaria species from natural habitats have been reported from many countries. Therefore, they are classified as endangered species in the international trade. Properties of Sri Lankan Agar Wood is unique, therefore high demand has been created from other countries. ‘Gyrinops Walla’ species possess pleasant fragrance which has lucrative in Middle Eastern market where it is used as a component to manufacturing of expensive perfumes, large scale smuggling of ‘Gyrinops Walla’ from Sri Lanka has been practiced for recent time.

Invitation for Bids for the Disposal of "Gyrinops Walla" ("Walla Patta")....

Sri Lanka's Ambassador to the UN in Geneva Ravinatha Aryasinha has said Sri Lanka stands ready to share its experience in comprehensive demining as a 'best practice' with countries which are facing similar challenges. Noting that "Sri Lanka’s continuing progress in demining has been achieved by telescoping what according to some estimates was to take 15 – 20 years, into one of 5 – 7 years duration, he said this was not only a rewarding experience for our people as they now move about freely across the country, but also a positive lesson for other conflict affected countries, where nationally owned and nationally driven programmes could achieve their intended purposes, if the necessary political commitment, resolve and pragmatic vision is put in place". 

Read more: Sri Lanka ready to share its experience in comprehensive demining as a 'best practice' with other countries

The Sri Lanka Convention Bureau and SriLankan Airlines in coordination with the Sri Lanka Consulate General in Dubai organized a Road Show “Meet in Sri Lanka” on Tuesday, 21^st October 2014 at the Crown Plaza Hotel in Dubai to promote the country as a Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) destination. More than 80 tour operators in UAE attended the promotion event.

Read more: “Meet in Sri Lanka” – MICE Tourism Promotion in Dubai

The Minister of External Affairs, Professor G. L. Peiris on Tuesday, 4^th November, met the Heads of Mission and Representatives of the main proponents of the Investigation on Sri Lanka by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and the High Commissioner of Australia. The Deputy Country Director of the UNDP also participated representing the UN system. 

Read more: MEDIA STATEMENT BY THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

The Sri Lanka Government is currently in the process of making all the necessary arrangements for the visit of His Holiness Pope Francis I to the island. 

The visit is taking place following an invitation extended to Pope Francis by President Mahinda Rajapaksa. Last month, the President and First Lady Shiranthi Wickremasinghe Rajapaksa travelled to the Vatican where they received an audience with His Holiness and personally extended the invitation to visit Sri Lanka. 

Read more: Government Finalising Arrangements for Pope’s Visit to Sri Lanka

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the establishment of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) was signed by Finance Ministers or their authorized Representatives of the 21 prospective Founding Member countries on 24 October 2014 at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.  Following the Signing Ceremony, the delegates met with the Chinese President Xi Jinping.  Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to China, Ranjith Uyangoda signed the MoU on behalf of Sri Lanka. 

Read more: Sri Lanka signs MoU on the establishment of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) in Beijing

Government to care for surviving children 

A special cabinet meeting will be chaired by President Mahinda Rajapaksa to discuss the Mihiriyabedda landslide that killed scores of people and destroyed more than hundred houses, and large number of persons still missing. This was announced in Parliament by Chief Whip, Minister Dinesh Gunawardena.

Describing this as the worst natural disaster in recent times, he said President Rajapaksa has instructed officials to take full responsibility for orphaned children. He visited the site of landslide this morning and will issue a statement on future action soon.

Read more: Special cabinet meeting to discuss landslide tragedy