Sri Lanka High Commission in Ottawa

The Australian Minister for Home Affairs Karen Andrews met Foreign Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris on 20 December 2021 at the Foreign Ministry during her official visit to Sri Lanka and discussed avenues for enhanced cooperation on a broad spectrum of areas.

The Foreign Minister expressed satisfaction with Australia’s significant involvement in preventing people smuggling and transnational crimes in Sri Lanka as well as in the region. The Minister reiterated that the vibrant partnership between Australia and Sri Lanka exemplified the highly effective and successful collaboration between the two countries in the field of preventing people smuggling and border security matters.

Minister Peiris also apprised the visiting Minister on the ongoing review of policies and laws, including the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) in order to address the residual issues still remaining after the end of internal armed conflicts in 2009. Among the measures undertaken by the Government include the setting up of the Office of Missing Persons, Office for Reparations, the Office of National Unity and Reconciliation (ONUR), SDG 16 Council and the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka.

During Minister Andrews’ visit, the Sri Lanka Border Risk Assessment Centre (BRAC) at the Department of Immigration and Emigration was ceremonially inaugurated jointly with her Sri Lankan counterpart, Minister Chamal Rajapaksa at the Department of Immigration and Emigration. Earlier in the day, both Ministers also signed the Memorandum of Understanding of Return and Readmission of Persons between Sri Lanka and Australia at the State Ministry of Home Affairs.

Referring to Australia’s experience in vocational education, Foreign Minister Peiris sought Australia’s technical assistance to strengthen Sri Lanka’s vocational education sector.

Minister also expressed keen interest in the proposed establishment of a Transshipment Hub in Sri Lanka to route Australian products through Sri Lanka to the other markets which would immensely benefit the Sri Lanka economy.

Furthermore, both Ministers also agreed to hold the next session of the Joint Working Group (JWG) on People Smuggling and other Transnational Crime in Sri Lanka in the coming months and agreed to work together closely to further enhance the cordial relations between Sri Lanka and Australia.

Minister Andews and Minister Peiris agreed on the need to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries next year, 2022 in a befitting manner.

Foreign Ministry

Colombo

21 December, 2021

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

The High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka Gopal Baglay met  Foreign Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris at the Foreign Ministry today and discussed the progress of the ongoing bilateral engagements between the two countries.

The two parties discussed an array of matters relating to areas of ongoing mutual cooperation and the outcomes of the recent visit of Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa to India.

Foreign Ministry

Colombo

16 December 2021

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

Foreign Minister Prof. G.L Peiris at an event held at the Foreign Ministry today (15), handed over a financial grant to the family of late Priyantha Kumara who was brutally killed by a mob in Sialkot area, Pakistan recently.

Minister Peiris, while expressing his deepest condolences to the family on the tragic death of Priyantha Kumara said that the prime concern at this moment is the future of the two children and the financial security of the family. In this regard, the Minister stated that he was in discussions with the Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation to obtain assistance for the family of the deceased. He further stated that he had requested the Pakistan Government to ensure timely receipt of financial benefits from the employer and the Government of Pakistan.

Minister Peiris mentioned that the Acting High Commissioner of Pakistan in Colombo informed that appropriate arrangements have been made in Pakistan to hear the case. The business community in Sialkot area has agreed to provide US$ 100,000 to the family of Priyantha Kumara.

The Foreign Minister further mentioned that Sri Lanka is closely monitoring the developments of the investigation and expecting that those responsible for the death would be speedily penalized by the law and justice will be served.

Foreign Secretary Admiral Prof. Jayanath Colombage and officials of the Foreign Ministry were present at the event.

Foreign Ministry

Colombo

15 December 2021

(https://mfa.gov.lk/fm-priyantha-kumara/)

Foreign Minister G. L. Peiris hosted a Christmas reception on 12 December 2021 at the Hilton Colombo, attended by Heads of Missions of the Diplomatic Corps based in Colombo,  Cabinet Ministers, MPs, senior government officials and representatives of the business sector.  Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa and Madam Shiranthi Rajapaksa graced the occasion as Chief Guests.

Minister Peris in his welcome address stated that Christmas was a time to celebrate our relationships, friendships and our accomplishments. Therefore this was as good a time as any to look back on the year that has gone by to reflect on our achievements and to assess  what we have done right and most importantly what we could have done better. The Foreign Minister further added, ' the year that has come to an end has been a time of formidable challenge to Sri Lanka. Covid 19 has almost disrupted every aspect of national life in our country but there has been universal recognition of the success that Sri Lanka has achieved in containing and combating the epidemic.'

The State Minister of Regional Cooperation Tharaka Balasuriya also addressed the guests, stating  that  what was  most important now, along with climate change,  is economic diplomacy. State Minister Balasuriya organised Sri Lankan designers and artists to showcase their arts and handicrafts  at the reception, adding  that Sri Lanka's creative industry needs to be brought to the forefront.  The exhibitors at the event were; Eric Suriyasena Batiks, Buddhi Batiks, Isle of Rataa and Urban Island and the art exhibition was curated by Azara Jaleel.

This event was supported by the Tea Board, National Crafts Council, Spices and Allied Products Marketing Board, State Ministry of Batik, Palmyrah Development Board, Isle of Rataa, Buddhi Batiks and 1948 shop.

Foreign Ministry

Colombo

14 December, 2021

(https://mfa.gov.lk/fm-hosts-recepetion/)

The Ambassador of Poland Adam Burakowski, concurrently accredited to Sri Lanka, met Foreign Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris on Wednesday 8 December 2021 at the Foreign Ministry and discussed issues of mutual interest.  Ambassador Burakowskiwas on a visit to Colombo to coincide with the recommencement of direct flights of LOT Polish Airlines to Sri Lanka.

Referring to the commemoration of 65 years of diplomatic relations between Sri Lanka and Poland in 2022, Foreign Minister Peiris reiterated Sri Lanka’s commitment to further advancing its multi-faceted partnership with Poland.  Emphasis was placed on the promotion of political as well as trade, investment, tourism ties and people-to-people contacts, with a view to adopting a holistic approach in furthering bilateral cooperation.  In this regard, the need for regular interactions between the business chambers of the two countries was noted.

The Foreign Minister apprised the visiting Ambassador on EU-Sri Lanka cooperation in the context of the significance of the EU market for Sri Lankan exports. The Ambassador informed of an event planned in 2022 in Sri Lanka to promote Polish processed food as well as two-way tourism.

The visiting Ambassador also met senior officials of the Foreign Ministry during the visit.

Foreign Ministry

Colombo

11 December, 2021

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

The Foreign Minister Prof. G L Peiris had a meeting with the Actg. High Commissioner of Pakistan in Colombo Tanvir Ahmad today to discuss the matters relating to financial security / compensation of the family of late Priyantha Kumara who was killed by a mob in Sialkot area, Pakistan last week.

While highlighting the long-standing friendship and trust between Pakistan and Sri Lanka, Minister expressed confidence that the Pakistan Government would take required steps that the family of late Priyantha Kumara gets justice.

Recalling the telephone call had with the Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Saturday, the Minister said “he offered his condolences & promised to make available to Sri Lanka all the information from the probe at the earliest”.

The Foreign Minister also appreciated the intervention of Pakistan Prime Minister who has taken personal charge of this investigation and taken steps to immediately investigate the incident. He also welcomed the announcement of the donation of US$ 100,000 by the business community in Sialkot and payment of monthly salary of Priyantha Kumara to his widow.

Minister Peiris highlighted the fact that the Sri Lankan government is concerned about the future of the two children of the late Priyantha Kumara and the importance of receiving the payments on time.  He requested the Pakistan envoy to arrange a mechanism to ensure that the salary will be received by the family every month without any disruption.

Conveying his heartfelt apologies for the incident, the Acting High Commissioner assured that the Government of Pakistan has taken the necessary steps for a full investigation and ensuring  compensation for the family. The law enforcement agencies in Pakistan are working to ensure the safety of all other Sri Lankans living in Pakistan, he further stated.

Foreign Ministry

Colombo

09 December 2021

(https://mfa.gov.lk/fm-pakistan-env/)

Sri Lanka’s envoy to Canada, Harsha Kumara Navaratne presented his Credentials as Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner, to Governor General Mary May Simon of Canada at a ceremony held at the Rideau Hall in Ottawa on 7 December 2021. Senior officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development, Canada and Diplomats attended the ceremony which was held to mark the presentation of credentials by four envoys representing Sri Lanka, Spain, Israel and the United States of America.

Following the welcome by the Master of Ceremonies, the Chief of Protocol of Canada, Stewart Wheeler introduced each of the four envoys.

The introduction was followed by the presentation of Credentials.

The Governor General in her welcome address outlined the bilateral relations shared between each of the four countries and Canada. Speaking of Sri Lanka, the Governor Genaral referred to the strong people to people ties and the large Sri Lankan origin diaspora in Canada, joint economic collaboration and development programmes between the two countries.

During an audience with the Governor General following the presentation of credentials, Sri Lanka’s new High Commissioner briefed Canada’s Governor General on recent developments in Sri Lanka. High Commissioner Navaratne stated that his priorities in Canada would include renewing reconciliation efforts, improving and increasing trade and investment ties between Sri Lanka and Canada and encouraging Canadian tourism and investments in Sri Lanka.

Prior to his appointment as Sri Lanka’s envoy to Canada, High Commissioner Navaratne was the Chairperson of the International Network of Engaged Buddhists headquartered in Bangkok which supports a network of socially engaged Buddhist practitioners and organizations in over 40 countries and currently leads two initiatives in South and South-East Asia bringing interreligious organizations to work together. As a follow up of these initiatives, the Buddhist-Muslim dialogue was set up in Malaysia and Indonesia. He was also a Commissioner of the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka and the Founder and Chairperson of Sevalanka Foundation, Sri Lanka, a community-based organization that provides rural services related to sustainable agriculture, fisheries, tourism, enterprise development, microfinance, environmental conservation, psychosocial support, and peace and reconciliation.

He is married with three daughters.

Sri Lanka High Commission

Ottawa

7 December 2021