Sri Lanka High Commission in Ottawa

The Government of New Zealand with the concurrence of the Government of Sri Lanka has appointed Mr. Michael Edward Appleton as the first High Commissioner of New Zealand to Sri Lanka based in Colombo. He has presented credentials to H.E. Gotabaya Rajapaksa, President of Sri Lanka on 22 July 2021 at 10.30 a.m. at President’s House, Colombo 01.

Foreign Ministry

Colombo

22 July, 2021

(https://mfa.gov.lk/new-zealand-sl/)

The Government of the Republic of Cuba with the concurrence of the Government of Sri Lanka has appointed Mr. Andrés Marcelo Garrido as the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Cuba to Sri Lanka in Succession of H.E. (Ms.) Juana Elena Ramos Rodriguez. He has presented credentials to H.E. Gotabaya Rajapaksa, President of Sri Lanka on 22 July 2021 at 10.30 a.m. at President’s House, Colombo 01.

Foreign Ministry

Colombo

22 July, 2021

(https://mfa.gov.lk/cuba-sl/)

In line with the mandate of the State Ministry of Regional Cooperation to enhance economic relations with the Middle-East, State Minister of Regional Cooperation Tharaka Balasuriya held a phone discussion with Minister of Industry, Commerce and Tourism of the Kingdom of Bahrain Zayed bin Rashid Al-Zayani.

This discussion was initiated to bolster Sri Lanka’s economic ties in the Middle-East region. The two Ministers explored means of enhancing economic relations, including trade and investment between the two countries. During the discussion, State Minister Balasuriya highlighted the investment opportunities at the Port City of Colombo; the gateway to South Asia and invited Bahraini investors to seize abundant offerings of this special economic zone.

Minister Al-Zayani elaborated on the procedures that the Bahraini government had implemented to bolster the country’s economy, which has made it a favored destination for regional and international investors.

The Ministers also discussed several areas of mutual interest, including cooperation in the areas of tourism, the creative economy, where Small and Medium Enterprises play a key role, and in the multilateral arena.

The discussion was facilitated by Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the Kingdom of Bahrain Pradeepa Saram.

State Ministry of Regional Cooperation

Colombo

19 July, 2021

(https://mfa.gov.lk/sm-sl-bahrain/)

The Ambassador of Myanmar to Sri Lanka U Han Thu called on the Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunawardena on 16 July.

The Foreign Minister Gunawardena emphasized on the longstanding Sri Lanka Myanmar fraternal bilateral ties and shared history based on Buddhist links over centuries. He reiterated the establishment of the Amarapura and Ramanna Nikaya in Sri Lanka in 1803 and 1865 respectively are the testimonies of the bilateral relations between the two countries. Ambassador Thu endorsing the comments stated that more than 400 Buddhist priest from Myanmar are currently studying in Sri Lanka.

Both dignitaries agreed that political relations between the two countries have been fruitful over the years through various mechanisms and in particular underscored the importance of rejuvenating the Sri Lanka Myanmar parliamentary Friendship Group.

The Foreign Minister Gunawardena thanked the Myanmar Government for the annual offers of the Honorary Title ‘Aggamaha Panditha’ to erudite Sri Lankan Priests which is a symbol of the friendly ties based on Theravada Buddhism.

Minister Gunawardena further noted that it is important that both countries look at possible areas for economic cooperation in the post COVID phase and highlighted areas such as the coconut industry, agriculture, Buddhist tourism, rubber, and shipping.

The meeting was associated by officials of the Foreign Ministry of Sri Lanka and the Embassy of Myanmar in Colombo.

Foreign Ministry

Colombo

19 July 2021

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

In line with the mandate of the State Ministry of Regional Cooperation to enhance economic relations with the Middle-East, State Minister Tharaka Balasuriya, held virtual deliberations with Minister of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion of the Sultanate of Oman Qais bin Mohammad Al Yousef on 14 July, 2021.

During the discussion, State Minister Balasuriya highlighted the trade and investment opportunities generated from the Port City of Colombo and its Special Economic Zone. He also elaborated upon the investment potential in other sectors such as pharmaceuticals, tourism, renewable energy, food and information technology.  With regard to the promotion of foreign employment, the State Minister Balasuriya also explored the potential for trained Sri Lankan healthcare workers to be employed in Oman.

Highlighting Oman’s initiatives to promote investment and trade, Minister Al-Yousef emphasized the potential of Oman being a transit hub and gateway to Africa, the Middle East and the USA through their FTAs. He added this would open avenues for Sri Lanka to utilize Oman as a hub for re-exportation. The Minister also pledged to explore the prospect of employing Sri Lankan skilled workers in the healthcare sector.

Both Ministers welcomed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the national Chambers of Commerce of the two countries and the ongoing discussion between relevant authorities of both countries to establish a direct container service between the Ports of Colombo and Sohar.

Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the Sultanate of Oman O.L Ameer Ajwad also elaborated on the growing momentum in bilateral trade and investments between the two countries, including enhanced exports from Sri Lanka.

Undersecretary, Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion of the Sultanate of Oman Asila bint Salim Al-Samsamiyah and Advisors to the Minister participated from Omani side. Associated with the State Minister was Secretary to the State Ministry of Regional Cooperation A. Senanayake, Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the Sultanate of Oman O.L Ameer Ajwad and Director General of the State Ministry of Regional Cooperation Savitri Panabokke.

State Ministry of Regional Cooperation

Colombo

19 July, 2021

(https://mfa.gov.lk/sm-sl-oman/)

Newly appointed Ambassador of Viet Nam to Sri Lanka Ho Thi Thanh Truc called on Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunawardena at the Foreign Ministry, on 15 July, 2021.

Welcoming the Viet Nam Ambassador to Sri Lanka Truc, Minister Gunawardena thanked the continuous support extended to Sri Lanka by Viet Nam in all multilateral fora. The Minister Gunawardena took note of projects that contribute to further strengthening of Sri Lanka – Viet Nam bilateral relations, in particular, areas of agriculture, fisheries and defence.  Minister Gunawardena further said that both countries have much potential to enhance and promote collaboration, through the available mechanism, in the latter- mentioned areas, including politics, economy, investment, trade, science-technology, culture and education.

Ambassador Truc, taking note of the important milestone of the 51st Sri Lanka - Viet Nam relations this year took note of the importance of rejuvenating the political relations through the established parliamentary friendship group.  Foreign Minister Gunawardena emphasized the strong bonds of friendship that exist between the two countries.  Foreign Minister Gunawardena, making a special reference to the support that Sri Lanka has extended to Viet Nam in the post-independence era that based on the fundamentals of the non-aligned principals expressed that he hopes to build excellent cooperation between the two countries in potential areas.

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and the General Secretary of the Viet Nam Communist Party had a successful telephone conversation on 14 June, 2021. During the conversation, the two leaders took note of the traditional friendship that guides fruitful cooperation which exists between Sri Lanka and Viet Nam.  President Rajapaksa stressed the need for joint commitment to enhance this relationship

The centuries old Vietnam Sri Lanka relationship marked an important milestone by celebrating its 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations in 2020.  This deep rooted friendly relationship is based on cultural and historical similarities and most importantly the common heritage of Buddhism as a strong binding thread between the people of the two countries.  The historical records tell us that Buddhism was introduced to South Vietnam in the 17th century and it is believed that Sri Lankan priests contributed to the establishment of Theravada Buddhism in Southern Vietnam.

Sri Lanka unveiled a replica of a bust of the late President Ho Chi Minh at the Colombo Public Library on 23 November 2013.  Moreover, in remembrance of the 124th birth anniversary of the late President Ho Chi Minh, a commemorative stamp was issued in 2014.  The launch of the above programmes illustrates Sri Lanka's friendship with Viet Nam and marks an important milestone in Sri Lanka's cooperation with Viet Nam during the national movement at one time.

The meeting was associated by the officials of the Foreign Ministry and the Embassy of Viet Nam in Colombo.

Foreign Ministry

Colombo

19 July, 2021

(https://mfa.gov.lk/fm-sl-viet-nam/)