Sri Lanka High Commission in Ottawa

Thai Pongal Message of H.E. the President

Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunawardena meets with the Ambassadors of the Netherlands and Turkey

Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunawardena met with Ambassador of the Netherlands Tanja Gonggrijp and Ambassador of Turkey R. Demet Sekercioglu on 22 December 2020 and discussed several areas of ongoing cooperation.

The Foreign Minister appreciated the generous assistance provided by the Government of the Netherlands to upgrade hospitals in the Northern Province and Kalutara District. Discussion also took place on ongoing assistance from the Netherlands in the construction of bridges in rural areas, water treatment plants, vocational training and restoration work at archeological sites. Foreign Minister Gunawardena also appreciated the assistance being provided for the digitization of archival documents.

The Foreign Minister noted the significant growth of exports from Sri Lanka to the Netherlands and expressed the keen interest to further strengthen economic ties and tourism. The Minister observed that relations between Sri Lanka and the Netherlands have grown into a multifaceted partnership.

While talking with the Ambassador of Turkey R. Demet Sekercioglu, Minister Gunawardena appreciated the generous COVID-19 related assistance of Turkey. The Minister also appreciated that despite the COVID-19 related challenges Turkish Airlines has continued to operate regular weekly flights to Sri Lanka, thereby strengthening connectivity between the two countries.

Foreign Minister Gunawardena noted the potential to further enhance trade and investment and to further strengthen cooperation at the international level. The Foreign Minister welcomed the prospect of high level visits from Turkey and the forthcoming meeting of the Joint Committee for Economic and Technical Cooperation.

Foreign Ministry
Colombo

23 December 2020

Foreign Minister summons the Acting High Commissioner of Canada to raise concerns

Foreign Minister Ali Sabry summoned the Canadian Acting High Commissioner Daniel Bood to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs today (11 January), and expressed the deep regret of the Government on the announcement of unilateral sanctions brought by the Government of Canada against four individuals including two former Presidents of Sri Lanka based on unsubstantiated allegations.

Foreign Minister Sabry emphasized that such unilateral action by the Canadian Government, motivated by domestic political compulsions in Canada, sets a dangerous precedent and is inimical to Sri Lanka’s interests, especially when national unity and reconciliation are of paramount importance. It was also stressed that the announcement by Canada is detrimental to the Government’s ongoing efforts towards national unity, reconciliation, and stability.

In consideration of the longstanding bilateral and development partnership between Canada and Sri Lanka, Foreign Minister Sabry urged the Acting High Commissioner to review the decision and engage constructively with Sri Lanka.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Colombo

11 January 2023

“LAWS SHOULD BE FORMULATED BY THE CONSTITUTION ITSELF TO PROTECT THE FLORA” SAYS CARDINAL MALCOLM RANJITH

2020-12-23-1

His Eminence Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith has stated that if the ecosystem is protected, the country's water resources will become a major source of income for the country in the future. The Cardinal stated this when addressing Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunawardena who paid a courtesy call at his official residence today (22) to offer greetings to His Eminence for the upcoming Christmas season.

“Our country is being deforested on a large scale by now. It has to stop and the government should take necessary steps to formulate a programme to protect forests in accordance with the Constitution itself. Laws should be enacted to severely punish those who destroy the flora in this country. If the ecosystem of the country could be protected by doing so, our water resources would be in great demand, in future world water shortages” the Cardinal said.

Commenting on this, the Minister said that President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s programme is dedicated to rescue cities from being oxygen deficient and that environment friendly activities are included in the village-by-village development programme. Member of Parliament Yadamini Gunawardena was also present on this occasion.

Foreign Ministry
Colombo

22 December 2020

Sri Lanka regrets decision by Canada to impose sanctions on two former Presidents of Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka deeply regrets the politically motivated decision by Canada to impose sanctions on four individuals including two former Presidents of Sri Lanka on 10 January 2023. This unilateral action by the Canadian Government, motivated by domestic political compulsions in Canada, sets a dangerous precedent and is inimical to Sri Lanka’s interests, especially when national unity and reconciliation are of paramount importance. On the global front, such action makes democratically elected leaders of sovereign states vulnerable to arbitrary external decisions based on unsubstantiated allegations, without following due process. This action is in violation of the rights that Canada claims to uphold.

It is of concern that this announcement by the Canadian authorities comes at a time when the Government of Sri Lanka is making concerted efforts towards economic recovery and stability, while simultaneously addressing multiple challenges posed by the unprecedented economic crisis.

The announcement also emanates in the backdrop of tangible and meaningful progress made by the Government in addressing issues of accountability and reconciliation, and in strengthening the country’s democratic and governance structures. The progressive steps thus undertaken by Sri Lanka have been both acknowledged and welcomed by the international community. Some salient measures include, inter alia, the All-Party Conference convened by President Ranil Wickremesinghe to resolve the ethnic issue; the Cabinet Sub-Committee on Reconciliation chaired by the President to resolve matters related to land, detainees and the disappeared in the Northern and Eastern provinces; the Office of Overseas Sri Lankan Affairs to constructively engage the overseas communities of Sri Lankan heritage; and the 21st Amendment to the Constitution.

Canada has been a longstanding bilateral and development partner of Sri Lanka. It is a matter of regret that the mode of communication of this decision by the Canadian authorities was in contravention of established diplomatic practice disregarding existing channels of regular bilateral interaction.

Canada is also home to a significant community of Sri Lankan heritage who engage constructively in people-to-people contacts and the socio-economic development of Sri Lanka. There is a rich and varied relationship between Canadians of Sri Lankan descent and the country of origin. A majority of this community undertakes regular visits to Sri Lanka, while many hold Canadian–Sri Lankan dual nationality. The above aspects are testimony to a vibrant and mutually beneficial partnership.

It is unfortunate that this action by the Canadian Government could polarise communities and have a detrimental impact on ongoing processes in place to secure socio-economic stability. In spite of such challenges, Sri Lanka will continue to make steady progress in consolidating national unity and reconciliation on the eve of the 75th anniversary of the country’s independence. Taking cognizance of the multifaceted engagement maintained with Canada, Sri Lanka would like to prevail upon the Canadian authorities to review this decision, and move towards a broad-based, proactive, and constructive approach in their bilateral partnership with Sri Lanka based on friendly relations and cooperation.