Sri Lanka High Commission in Ottawa

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/)

Foreign Relations, Skills Development, Employment and Labour Relations Minister Dinesh Gunawardena has reassured that the repatriation of migrant workers from the Middle East as well as other regions will continue, in a manner sensitive to the vulnerability of these communities, particularly those who have lost legal status and/or employment in their host countries. This will be done in consultation with the COVID Task Force, in view of the considerable strain presently placed on the health sector and quarantine centres following the increased number of COVID infected persons who have recently returned from Kuwait. It was noted that it is proposed to explore the possibility of getting PCR tests done prior to boarding all flights in future.

The Minister made these observations at a meeting held this evening (29 May 2020) at the Foreign Ministry attended by Foreign Secretary RavinathaAryasinha, Ministry of Skills Development, Employment and Labour Relations SecretarySarathAbeygunawardana, Chairman Sri Lankan Foreign Employment Bureau (SLBFE) Kamal Ratwatte, and relevant officials of the two ministries and the SLBFE.

It was noted that according to the latest update, as at 27 May, 42,522 persons from 123 countries were seeking to return to Sri Lanka. Of these, migrant workers amounted to 34,881 of which 20,893 are living in the Middle East, while 4,961 were short term visa holders, and 2,016 were students.

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/)